Bowling Green · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowling Green public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Clean city audit and finance awards
The city's annual financial audit came back with zero findings, and the finance department completed a 'triple crown' of GFOA awards for the 15th straight year — a strong signal the city's books are in order.
TIF district downtown investment
The downtown TIF district generated $3.44 million in 2025, with $2.75 million flowing back to district recipients and the city keeping $688,497. Since 2008 the city has returned $17.4 million of $21.7 million in incremental revenue to downtown.
Strategic Neighborhood Grants awarded
Nine neighborhood projects — mailbox replacements, entrance signage, lighting, tree work and community festivals — split $30,565 out of $129,000 requested by 23 applicants.
Property tax rates hold steady
The 2026 property tax rate stays at .203 per $100 for real estate — no increase — with a binding second reading set for September 15. Commissioners specifically refuted a circulating claim of a 20% hike.
FY 2027 Contract Agency Appropriations
Ten community organizations — including the Drug Task Force, Humane Society, and United Way's 211 service — will share $1,334,010 in city funding next fiscal year.
Fiscal Year 2027 city budget
The first reading of the FY 2027 budget shows $110.2 million in the General Fund (down $6.7 million) and $189.3 million in All Funds, reflecting a nearly $6.8 million revenue shortfall mainly from occupational fees. No programs or services are cut, employees get a 2.7% COLA, and a $25.9 million capital plan funds riverfront development, storm shelters, and roads.
Loan for police property purchase
The city will borrow via a 10-year note to pay for the 940 Bryant White property bought for the police department — its first real-estate borrowing in decades, paid from the fire improvement fund.
Employee health insurance stop-loss and TPA renewal
The city re-upped its self-funded health plan's stop-loss coverage and claims administrator. Taking on slightly more deductible risk saved about $150,000 on a premium that had been quoted near $905,000.