Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' standard long-term rating, and stable outlook, to Temple, Texas' series 2006 junior-lien waterworks and sewer system revenue bonds due to the senior-lien's closure and affirmed its 'AA-' Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR), with a stable outlook, on the city's preexisting senior-lien waterworks and sewer system revenue bonds. The ratings reflect the system's: Stable and diversified service area economy, Ample water supply and system capacity, Consistently strong financial performance and resultant debt service coverage (DSC), Exceptionally strong system liquidity, Competitive utility rates with planned modest rate increases, and Manageable additional capital needs. The service area's below-average wealth and income levels mitigate the strengths. A junior-lien pledge of the city water and sewer
