Bowling Green · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowling Green public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Termination of HR employee Kirsten Homer
The board voted unanimously to fire a three-and-a-half-year HR employee who told them publicly she was never told what she was accused of, never interviewed, and felt pressured to resign — raising questions about transparency in city personnel actions.
Fairview Avenue widening at Kereiakes Park
The city sold right-of-way to the state so KYTC can widen Fairview and add left-turn lanes at the park — a fix for the notorious afternoon congestion, though cemetery crews raised concerns about safely crossing the widened road.
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.
Hobson Grove pedal park
The city wants an $823,099 state/federal grant to build a kid-sized pedal park at Hobson Grove — a safe place with mini city icons where children can learn to ride bikes.
Crossridge Subdivision speed bumps
Mark Davis returned to ask the city for a solution to chronic speeders on his street — including a stolen car that rammed his neighbor's parked truck — and suggested testing devices like drop-down plates that still let emergency vehicles through.
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.
Transit technology upgrade
GO BG Transit is spending $143,720 on a TransLoc system upgrade for real-time bus tracking, better rider apps, ADA features and fleet reporting — replacing what the new transit manager calls a very antiquated system.
Veterans housing vouchers
Five new VA Supportive Housing vouchers bring the city's total to 40, pairing Section 8 housing with VA case management for homeless veterans.
Russell Sims Aquatic Center Master Plan
A 25-year vision for the 27-year-old water park: shade cabanas, a lazy river, upgraded restrooms and splash pad, with roughly $7-10 million in first-five-year improvements paid for in phases plus grants and sponsorships.
Public safety vehicle fleet replacement
Housing Authority After-School and Tutoring Funding
The Housing Authority keeps $33,890.73 in PILOT money to fund tutoring for nearly 200 kids — a program officials credited with cutting dropout rates.
FEMA Grant for Fire Department Equipment
The city will chase up to $164,760 in federal funds for turnout gear, ballistic helmets, and a foam trailer, covering 90 percent of the cost.
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.
Storm shelters and FEMA funding
Commissioners asked about the first five storm shelter locations funded in the budget: two each at Lovers Lane Soccer Complex and Preston Miller Park, one at Pedigo Park. Approval is still pending with FEMA, with a one-year extension of the funding period secured.
Pedigo Park sepak takraw court
The city awarded a $97,532 contract to Baker Contracting for the concrete pad and sidewalk needed to complete the new sepak takraw (kick volleyball) court at Pedigo Park, part of a broader redesign of the park for the surrounding community.
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.
HIDTA drug task force grant
A recurring $57,000 federal grant with no local match pays overtime for three city officers on the Warren County Drug Task Force, targeting meth trafficking and manufacturing.
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.