Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its underlying rating (SPUR) on Temple, Texas' existing water and sewer debt to 'AA' from 'AA-' based on the city's historical solid coverage levels, willingness to increase rates, and ample water supply and treatment capacity. At the same time, Standard&Poor's assigned its 'AA' standard long-term rating to the city's $15.4 million series 2008 water and sewer revenue bonds. The ratings reflect the system's: Stable and diversified service area economy, Consistently strong financial performance and resultant debt service coverage (DSC), Strong system liquidity, and Competitive utility rates. The service area's below-average wealth and income levels mitigate these strengths. A junior-lien pledge of the city water and sewer system's net operating revenues secures the
