The rating on Sioux City, Iowa's bonds reflects: A regional economy with strong links to the agricultural sector, Sound financial position, and A moderate debt burden. An offsetting credit factor is high, but manageable, debt service carrying charges. Sioux City is a regional trade, service, and health care center for westcentral Iowa and portions of South Dakota and Nebraska. Taxable valuation has increased a steady annual average of 3.8% since 1996, supported in recent years by released tax increment valuations. Total 2000 market value is a substantial $2.7 billion ($32,390 per capita). Good financial performance continues, with surplus operations in each of the past seven fiscal years. The unrestricted June 30, 2000, general fund balance of $4.3 million was a
