The 'AAA' rating on Monmouth County, N.J.'s series 2007 GO bonds reflects the county's: Strong local economy anchored by the services, retail trade, and health care industries; Substantial and rapidly growing tax base; Income levels that exceed both state and national levels; Consistently strong and conservative financial management, evidenced by regular operating surpluses and high current fund balances; and Moderate-to-low overall debt burden. The series 2007 GO bonds will total $74.5 million. Approximately $50 million will be used for various capital improvement projects throughout the county, $20 million will be used for acquisition of open space by the county, and $4.5 million will be issued on behalf of Brookdale Community College for various capital projects. Monmouth County (current population, 655,674)
