Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AA-' Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR), and stable outlook, on Temple, Texas' waterworks and sewer system revenue bonds. The SPUR reflects the system's: Stable and diversified service area economy, Ample water supply, Consistently strong financial performance and resultant debt service coverage (DSC), Exceptionally strong system liquidity, Competitive utility rates with planned modest rate increases, and Limited future capital needs. Offsetting rating factors include the system's: Below-average income levels, and Significant fixed annual payments to Brazos River Authority. A pledge of the city water and sewer system's net operating revenues secures the bonds. Temple, with a population of 55,610, is the economic center of the Killeen-Temple MSA. The city's beneficial location, 60 miles
