The rating on Monmouth County, N.J.'s bonds reflects: * A diversifying economic base historically residential in nature; * Above-average income; * Historically strong financial position; and * Manageable debt, coupled with a sizable capital program. The county (population 578,509) is in the east-central section of the state, easily accessible to numerous employment opportunities in northern New Jersey and New York City. Although the county remains primarily residential, the economic base continues to diversify and expand. AT&T/Lucent Technologies (11,000 employees), Fort Monmouth Army Base (7,294), and Monmouth County Medical Center(3,808) serve as the largest employers in the county. Continued residential development, as well as the expansions of Fort Monmouth and the AT&T headquarters, should positively influence the property tax base over
