Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating to Monmouth County N.J.'s series 2009A general obligation bonds. The rating is based on the following county characteristics: Strong local economy anchored by the services, retail trade, and health care industries; Substantial and expanding property tax base providing more than 60% of the county's revenues; Wealth levels that are well above 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 full faith and credit pledge of the county secures the series 2009 bonds. Monmouth County (current population, approximately 640,000) is in central New Jersey and neighbors Mercer, Middlesex, Burlington, and Ocean
