Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has affirmed the 'AAA' rating on Monmouth County, N.J.'s general obligation (GO) debt outstanding and has assigned its 'AAA' rating to the Monmouth County Improvement Authority's (MCIA) series 2009 governmental pooled loan revenue bonds, series 2009. The bonds issued by MCIA are ultimately guaranteed by the county's full faith and credit pledge; therefore, the rating is based on our view of the following county characteristics: Strong local economy anchored by the services, retail trade, and health care industries; Substantial and expanding tax base providing over 60% of the county's revenues; 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;
