By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon due to the coronavirus pandemic. And one council member warned that the city should prepare to tighten its belt once COVID-19 subsides.
The emergency declaration will put the city in position to apply for federal relief if it becomes available.
“Time is going to be of the essence,” Aspacher told City Council Monday evening. “We felt this was a prudent action to take at this time.”
Aspacher’s report was given to a City Council meeting with five members wearing masks and sitting far apart from each other. One was wearing gloves, and two members participated by phone.
Gov. Mike DeWine and the Wood County Commissioners have already declared a state of emergency in order to secure federal assistance to supplement state and local efforts.
The city’s declaration means the regular requirements for seeking, procuring and funding of purchases in response to COVID-19 are suspended to allow for quicker action by the city.
Aspacher also continued his advice to citizens that they follow the guidance issued by the CDC, Ohio Department of Health and Wood County Health Department.
“We ask our residents to be mindful of what they are hearing” from health professionals, the mayor said.
Council member Greg Robinette spoke about the future that may be facing Bowling Green. While the full health and economic scope of COVID-19 is unknown, he predicted the current closure of businesses will grow in number and in duration.
The city should prepare now for its tax revenues to be down – “very likely, significantly so,” Robinette said.
The city will have to concentrate its efforts on safety issues, utility services and on helping those citizens hit the hardest by the pandemic, he said.
“A crisis of this magnitude requires new thinking,” Robinette said.
Bowling Green will recover, but leaders must stay focused on economic development in the city, he said. That includes continuing the ongoing efforts to update the city’s zoning code.
Robinette assured he would stay “laser focused” on the zoning updates to make sure Bowling Green is in a good position to create jobs and attract businesses when the pandemic subsides.
Council President Mark Hollenbaugh said he agreed with the focuses suggested by Robinette, and said he was impressed by the city’s ability to adapt to an ever-changing situation with COVID-19.
Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter updated council on city operations.
“We continue to provide the essential services,” like police, fire, refuse pickup and utilities, she said.
Infrastructure work is continuing when possible. “Safety is always at the forefront,” she said.
City departments have been challenged to adapt and find ways to do work safely under the new social distancing guidelines. Many employees are working from home.
“Our phones are still active,” Tretter said, assuring that city workers are still available, “to help guide citizens through this time.”
Council members praised the information posted on the city’s website – which provides health information and details on city services.
“It’s updated multiple times a day,” Tretter said.
