Bowling Green · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowling Green public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ward redistricting
A Committee of the Whole before the meeting narrowed roughly two dozen submitted ward maps down to three finalists; legislation with the final map is expected at the October 5 meeting. Two public forums gathered resident input.
2.95-mill Parks and Recreation Levy
Parks Director Kristin Otley reported over 1,100 kids in summer programs, a master plan survey wrapping up with a November report, and upcoming events like Winterfest and the Leave the Leaves partnership.
Finance Committee cancelled
The quarterly finance update was cancelled because the city still has no full-time Finance Director, and budget season will bring the numbers anyway.
Community Development Programs Update
The commission's grant application window is now open until November 30. The call went out in BG Independent on Oct. 1 and city social media, and local groups have a month to apply.
Income tax reallocation for street repair
An ordinance to shift income tax dollars to street repair stalled when no one would second any motion on it. Road repair funding remains unresolved.
Community grant program
The commission's grant window opens Oct. 1 and runs through Dec. 31 — local groups can apply for funding. BG Song recently used a $250 grant for door hangers reaching renters.
2026 Supplemental Budget and 2027 Revenue Estimate
Council adopted Ordinance #9342 amending the 2026 city budget. Details of the specific line items weren't discussed on the floor.
Commission membership and quorum concerns
Wil Roudebush leaves in May, and BGSU architecture professor Dr. Kerry Fan is the pick to replace him — but a city ordinance requiring east-side members must be amended first.
Engaging Friends of the HPC
Jan Knape suggested commission members and their volunteer 'Friends' hold a brainstorming session to identify downtown buildings that should pursue the new façade grants — members liked it, noting sunshine-law limits mean individual outreach only.
Launch of online permit and application portal
Planning staff told the board the city is weeks away from moving applications and permits fully online. Board members asked that the digital process preserve the detail in application sketches.
Community Reinvestment Area tax abatement amendments (Ordinance 9346)
Council removed the owner-occupancy requirement from the Community Reinvestment Areas ordinance using seven edits Jeff Dennis proposed, then adopted it unanimously — opening the tax incentive to more property owners.
Delinquent utility account policy update
Two old policies were merged into one clearer policy on late payments and billing, updated for modern payment options. Customers shouldn't notice changes, but late fees collected in 2025 were higher than recent years.
Historic tax credits milestone at 416 West Wooster
416 West Wooster became the first Bowling Green — and Wood County — property ever to receive Ohio historic tax credits. A new round is open with pre-application meetings due January 30.