By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
After years of steady growth in income tax revenue, the City of Bowling Green is running almost $539,000 shy of its revenue predictions for the third quarter of the year.
City Finance Director Dana Pinkert presented her quarterly report to City Council’s Finance Committee Monday evening. She had to report that the shortfalls noted earlier in the year had not recovered, but had only gotten worse.
But Pinkert assured the council committee that Bowling Green is still financially solid.
“Overall, the city is still stable,” she said.
The original estimate for 2025 income tax revenue was set at nearly $28 million. The biggest decrease is being seen in the business class collections.
Historically, the income tax revenue in BG increases about 3% to 4% each year – with even higher increases the last three years. The dip this year could be due to trepidation by businesses about the economic forecast. Pinkert explained that if a business overpays in income taxes or estimates, they can request that the overpayment be held over to pay during a tough economic year.
A lag at the state level may also be partially to blame, since businesses can now file their income taxes with the state rather than locally. Sometimes the state disbursements lag behind, Pinkert said.
The income tax revenue in Bowling Green makes up large portions of the city’s general fund, water and sewer capital fund, fire fund, police fund, capital projects, street repairs and the recreation fund.
Pinkert said city departments have been asked to be “even more diligent” to lower costs, cautioning that the 2026 budget will have to reflect the shortfall.
In other business at the City Council meeting Monday evening, Bob Kreienkamp thanked City Council for taking a chance three years ago on a group of pickleball players, and using some American Rescue Plan Act funds to get the ball rolling for new outdoor courts.
“We have a wonderful complex out there,” he said.
Kreienkamp invited council and the community to attend the official dedication of the courts outside the community center on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m.
“It’s a great partnership,” council President Mark Hollenbaugh said. “It shows what we can do if we all pull in the same direction.”
Also at the meeting:
- Former mayor Dick Edwards spoke in support of the fire levy on the November ballot. He noted the expectation that fire and EMS runs in the city will surpass 4,000 this year. (A levy story will appear soon including some of Edward’s comments.)
- Director of Communications Amanda Gamby reported that the cost savings are “significant” with the city’s new recycling contract with Republic. City officials expect to save $20,000 to $30,000 in the first year of the change, she said.
- Sean Brennan announced that the annual BG Porchfest on Eberly Avenue has been scheduled for May 30.
- Mayor Mike Aspacher praised Heather Sayler and the BG Historic Preservation Commission for earning a “significant award” from Heritage Ohio. https://bgindependentmedia.org/city-of-bg-downtown-sign-project-wins-statewide-award-for-historical-interpretive-signage/
- City Engineer Brad Holman presented updates on the South Main Street project, shared use paths on Brim Road and from Crim Elementary to Carter Park, pedestrian beacons planned on South Main Street and on West Gypsy Lane Road at the Slippery Elm Trail, plus future roundabouts at Brim and Bishop roads, and at East Wooster and Dunbridge Road.
- Utilities and Infrastructure Director Brian O’Connell reported on an upcoming odor control project at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, and said despite the dry conditions the city is not experiencing any water quantity problems at its intake on the Maumee River.
