The 'A+' Standard & Poor's underlying rating (SPUR) on the Borough of South Plainfield, N.J.'s GO general improvement and sewer utility bonds series 1999 reflects: A stable local economy with access to broader regional economic opportunities, Sizable tax base, High average household income, and Stable financial reserve levels. Offsetting these strengths are relatively stagnant growth in the tax base and an above-average debt burden. South Plainfield, population 21,000, is a developed suburban community in Middlesex County (GO rating 'AA+'). The borough benefits from a strong regional economy as well as its proximity to the diverse northern New Jersey and New York metropolitan area employment markets. The county unemployment rate is below the state and national averages at 3.75%. South Plainfield
