Update: May 6, 2020
CITY RESPONSE

The City continues to provide essential services and remains accessible to residents, but in a modified form. For Department specific guidance, contact information and additional resources visit the City's web page dedicated to this effort. This page is updated daily.
STAY SAFE OHIO ORDER

On Friday, May 1, 2020, under the direction of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH issued a “Stay Safe Ohio” order that reopens businesses, with exceptions, and continues a “Stay Healthy and Safe at Home” order. This new order is in effect until 11:59 p.m. on May 29, 2020. For more information on what this order means for you, click the links below:
Use. Trusted. Sources.
Don’t believe every rumor you see online. Remember to use trusted sources.
Follow the links below for reliable and up to date information:


Remember, a call center to answer questions regarding COVID-19 is now open.
The call center will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

1-833-4-ASK-ODH
REOPENING WATER SYSTEMS
As businesses in Wood County begin to reopen, water systems that have not been in use could be at increased risk for Legionella and other bacteria that cause illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created guidelines to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other water-associated diseases. For more information, call your local water authority or health department or go to CDC WEBSITE . If your facility does not have a Water Management Program in place, you can access a toolkit on how to create one.

Stagnant water must be flushed from systems to remove the risk of illness. Run faucets until the maximum water temperature has been reached. Additional guidance for specific facilities is provided HERE .
In this video, Wood County Health Commissioner, Ben Batey,
discusses masks and some businesses making plans to re-open.
CLOTH FACE MASKS
Public health experts want us to continue social distancing and recommend wearing masks in public. Please comply with Ohio Department of Health (ODH) orders for the safety of the entire community. The links below provide more information on wearing/making cloth face coverings:
DONATE. The  Wood County EMA  is collecting donations of cloth masks, N95 masks, and other PPE items for health care workers and first responders. Please drop off at the Wood County Courthouse main entrance and leave with security. Questions? Call: 419-354-9269

Locally,  Grounds for Thought  is coordinating “BG Sews for Health” email bgsews@yahoo.com for more information.
MAY BRUSH COLLECTION
The window to schedule a May Brush Collection will be open from May 1 to May 11. Residents may   GO ONLINE   to register their address for this month’s collection!

Residents may also call 419-354-6227 to be added to the list of locations where crews will stop.

Collection is scheduled to begin on May 18. Those who do not register by May 11 will NOT be included on the collection route!

For collection guidelines, click HERE .
2020 Farmers' Market

The 2020 Bowling Green Farmers’ Market kicks off on Wednesday, May 13 th from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. The first hour of shopping will be dedicated weekly for vulnerable shoppers. Vulnerable shoppers include the elderly and those with a compromised immune system.

Guidance from the Ohio Department of Agriculture is being followed and Market Managers are taking all the mandated and suggested procedures to help ensure the safety of all vendors, volunteers, and consumers.

Although the market may look a little different this year, rest assured that there will still be the same great products that you have grown accustomed to.  For more information and to follow this year’s market, visit the Farmers' Market Bowling Green, OH Facebook Page.

BG Transit Updates

Beginning immediately, the BG Transit will offer free passenger fares in response to COVID-19. Fare rates will return to current established rates at some point in the future. The City of Bowling Green will provide the public with prior notice of when this
will occur.

Measures Being Taken in Vehicles:
  • Not allowing front seat passengers
  • Not combining rides
  • Sneeze barriers have been installed
  • Cleaning commonly used areas within the vehicle more often
  • Adding extra hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and spray to every vehicle
  • Following best practices for safe hygiene practices

SCHEDULE A RIDE:
1-800-579-4299

Questions? 419.354.6203 or click HERE
Open Burning

Having a recreational fire is fairly common and is allowed in the city. A recreational fire is an outdoor fire, burning materials other than rubbish, and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and a height of 2 feet or less. The key, by ordinance it must be used for cooking (think s'mores). 

The minimum distance from a structure or combustible material shall be 15 feet if the fire is contained in an approved container. A Chiminea, metal ring, stone/brick, surrounds, outdoor fireplace, or a metal container with a wire mesh screen are examples of approved containers.

Visit the  Fire Division's webpage for more information!

Donuts Not Volcanoes!

Applying mulch is one of the best ways to care for your trees. However, if done improperly, it can greatly shorten the life of your tree. Avoid creating mulch volcanoes or piles of mulch against the trunk of the tree. This causes the trunk to rot and girdling roots to form. Instead create donuts of mulch that keep the transition from the trunk to the roots visible. As the mulch extends out it should be 2-4 inches in depth. This will keep your trees’ healthy and extend their life in your landscape. Remember, donuts not volcanoes.
**ALL PARKS REMAIN OPEN**

March & April Park Board Meeting: Cancelled
Training & Community Center: Closed
Programs & Classes: Postponed or Cancelled
Building Reservations: Suspended Until Further Notice
Wintergarden Nature Center: Closed
Playgrounds: Closed
Public Restrooms: Closed
Skatepark: Closed
Inline Rink: Closed
Horse Shoe Pits: Closed
Basketball Courts: Closed

Check out the Wintergarden/St. John's Woods Facebook Group Page or the BG Virtual Parks & Recreation Community Page for fun activities & ways to stay engaged with our Parks and Rec employees!
Parks & Recreation
Not Closed: The Great Outdoors

You MUST maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others utilizing trails and other public spaces.

Our trails are still open, but please:

  • Avoid crowds.
  • Keep a 6 ft. distance between you and other park users.
  • It is okay to step off the trail to allow distance.
  • When passing, call out, "On your left!", to notify those on the trail in front of you.

During this period of precautionary social distancing, The Great Outdoors remains open. There are almost 400 acres of parkland in the City; a park within 1.5 miles of every resident. Bowling Green Parks and Recreation encourages individuals to explore the parks, get some fresh air, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world. Playgrounds and public restrooms remain closed.

The Bowling Green Training & Community Center remains closed. Parks and Recreation business may still be conducted online or via phone. Pass holders will be credited for this disruption once the full extent of this fluid situation is known.

Questions? 419.354.6223
INCOME TAX
Need help completing your forms?
Call 419.354.6212
The City of Bowling Green is extending the tax filing due date to July 15, 2020 for 2019 tax returns to be in alignment with the IRS and the State of Ohio. Payments of your 2019 tax return and first and second quarter 2020 estimated tax payments are also extended until July 15, 2020 without assessed late penalties or interest.

Employers withholding Bowling Green local tax are still required to remit withholding deductions to the City in the time frames stated in the Ohio Revised Code and Bowling Green City Ordinances.

Thank you to all the taxpayers who have already filed and paid their 2019 tax returns!

Income tax filings may be turned in using the drop box located outside the building or mailed in. Staff will frequently check the drop box throughout the business day (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm).
Click HERE to take the 2020 Census!