Ward 4 Council Member· 2024-01-02–2027-12-01 (sworn in at the January 2, 2024 council meeting and again January 5, 2026 after re-election November 4, 2025 per Wood County official results, Ward 4 since 2018 per BOE Took Office; month-level end: December 2027 because the Wood County BOE Elected Officials List updated 1/5/2026 shows a 2 year term Commences 1/1/2026 with next election 11/2/2027 although its Expires field reads 12/31/2026, which is inconsistent with a seat filled in 2025 for a 2 year term)
William J. Herald
Bowling Green
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 14
- Total speaking time
- 1:15:22
- Avg per meeting
- 5:23
- Segments
- 1611
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Top issues during term (17)(Development)
Downtown Facade Enhancement Grant
Funded from the city's general fund this year; the amount spent was not stated in the meeting.
Community concerns about AI and data centers
While massive data centers bring major tech investment, taxpayers could end up footing the bill for infrastructure upgrades if not negotiated right.
Former South Main School listed for sale
Potential state historic tax credits could offset rehab costs, but they're complicated and may not help the current owner's tax situation.
Stone Ridge subdivision expansion
New homes mean more property tax base, but also demand for roads, utilities, and services.
Future of the former South Main School
No direct city cost discussed, though any buyer would face significant renovation expense.
Home Depot-area deed restriction vs. city building height minimum
None to the city; the developer bears the cost of redesigning the building twice.
Permit compliance by contractors in Tucson Springs subdivision
Homeowners can face costly fixes — this owner said removing the pad would mean cutting it out at significant expense.
Two new starter homes on Liberty Street near downtown
Homes expected to sell around $315,000 or more, adding housing stock downtown.
Wood County Park District Grant for Black Swamp Preserve
The city parks system received a $10,000 grant, already expended on the preserve project.
CDBG entitlement funding
Grant amounts depend on federal allocations under the CDBG Entitlement Program.
Zoning Board of Appeals variance decisions
South Mitchell Road estate lots and ten acres of preserved woods
Three home sites of roughly 3.8 to 4.2 acres each are already spoken for; no direct city cost.
2025 planning department report
Fair Housing Month proclamation
Smart upgrades could save us all time and money in the long run, though we will have to see how the city plans to pay for them.
Strategic Plan next steps
An endowment is being explored with the Bowling Green Foundation as a starting point.
Community Reinvestment Areas amendment
CRA designations can affect property tax abatements for redevelopment.
Building activity slowing slightly
Fewer permits this year (69 vs. 88) could slightly slow building-related fee revenue, though the dip appears temporary.
Decisions during term (3)
Recorded while Herald was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Joseph Development / Chipotle building height variance — 1187 South Main Street
Variance denied — building height at 1187 South Main Street (Chipotle/Joseph Development)
Adoption of Ordinance #9332 — accepting deed from Bowling Green Economic Development
Voting record (1)(Development)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.