Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' rating to Monmouth County, N.J.'s $25 million GO improvement bonds series 2004A and $39.115 million GO refunding bonds series 2004B, reflecting the county's: Strong local economic base centered on the health care and telecommunications industries; Diverse and rapidly growing tax base; Wealth and income levels that exceed both state and national levels; Consistently strong financial position, with substantial operating surpluses and current fund balance levels; and Increasing, yet manageable, overall debt burden. Standard&Poor's also assigned its 'AAA' rating to the county's approximately $333 million of outstanding GO and guaranteed lease debt. The bonds are secured by the county's full faith and credit pledge. Proceeds of the series 2004A bonds will
