Update: March 24, 2020
On Sunday, March 22, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health issued a “Stay At Home Order”. As allowable, the City will comply with this order while maintaining essential services. City government will continue to operate; however, there will be additional modifications made to operations so that adherence to the intent of this order may be followed as closely as possible. The City will continue to follow the guidance of the Wood County Health Department and the Ohio Department of Health.

Protecting public health and that of city staff is vital. The public is urged to follow the State’s order.

THANK YOU to all who are working tirelessly to keep the shelves stocked, our community safe and healthy, our children safe and educated, and to those of you working to keep “the wheels turning” as much as possible as we move through this trying time. And, THANK YOU to every one of you for the sacrifices you are making to help us all get through this.

~Mayor Aspacher
Stay. At. Home.

On Sunday, March 22nd, under the direction of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH issued a director’s order to require all Ohioans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 beginning at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 23, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020. This order prohibits holding gatherings of any size and closes all nonessential businesses. It does NOT prohibit essential activities like going to the grocery store, receiving medical care, or taking your pet for a walk. Residents can return home from out of state and can leave the state.

For more information on what this order means for you and answers to frequently asked questions, click the links below:
Wood County Health Department
March 23 Update
USING 911 APPROPRIATELY REGARDING ILLNESS

IF YOU THINK YOU’RE SICK, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
BEFORE you do anything CALL YOUR DOCTOR:  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Individuals with concerns or flu-like symptoms should call their health care provider first with questions. The Ohio Department of Health has a COVID-19 hotline 1.833.4ASK.ODH

By utilizing 911 for only true emergencies such as fires, motor vehicle accidents, life threatening injuries or medical emergencies such as, but not limited to, a heart attach, severe respiratory symptoms or allergic reactions will reduce the potential exposures to first responders, hospital based healthcare workers, and the general public. Bottom line, utilizing the 911 system for only true emergencies is the best practice at this time.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
During the COVID-19 response and to practice good social distancing, public meetings will be live streamed over YouTube. Only those, whose meeting participation is required, will be permitted to attend in person. The address for the YouTube channel is www.bgohio.org/meetings.

This is a great way to stay engaged with local government from the safety of your home!
Utilities Payment

The public is urged to consider alternate arrangements to pay utility bills:

  • Set Up Auto Pay
  • Use Outside Drop Box
  • Mail - Use Envelope Provided
  • Pay Online: Processing Fee Applies
  • Pay by Phone: 1-800-206-9415 Processing Fee Applies

The processing fees are assessed directly to the customer by the processing company. The City does not collect the fee. The online fee is $3.50 and by phone is $5.95. If these fees are a concern, we’d recommend customers use the drop box or mail in their payment.

At this time, we have suspended late payment penalties from now to April 13.   Temporary shutoffs for non-payment will be suspended until mid-April.

Questions? 419.354.6252
Income Tax

Ohio Municipalities are required to follow the tax filing due date set by the Ohio Tax Commissioner. As of March 23, 2020, the Ohio Tax Commissioner has NOT changed the tax filing due date and 2019 Bowling Green City Tax Returns are still due by April 15, 2020. Ohio law does not mandate cities follow the IRS due date.

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). 

Forms can be downloaded from our website: FORMS

Need help completing your forms? Call 419.354.6212

A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available on our website and may help provide some guidance.
Permits

Residents and customers that need to turn in permits or other paperwork to the City Building may still do so. Permits and other commonly used forms may be filled out or turned in using the drop box located outside the building, mailed in, or submitted electronically via email (if applicable). Staff will frequently check the drop box throughout the business day (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm).

Download Forms Online:


We ask for your patience as there may be a delay in the approval process.

Questions?

Public Works: 419.354.6227
Planning: 419.354.6218
General/Admin: 419.354.6204


Refuse & Recycling
Public Works is focused on continuing essential services such as trash collection and maintenance items. Refuse and Recycling will continue to be collected weekly per your normal collection schedule. Large Item and Mattress Collection has been suspended until further notice.

Questions? 419.354.6227

Please note: The Bowling Green Recycling Center has notified us that they have temporarily closed their facility and 24 Hour Drop Off.
**ALL PARKS REMAIN OPEN**

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
March Park Board Meeting: Cancelled
Final Focus Group Meeting: Cancelled

Check out the Wintergarden/St. John's Woods Facebook Group Page for fun activities & ways to stay engaged with our Naturalists!
Parks & Recreation
N ot Closed: The Great Outdoors

The Bowling Green Training & Community Center is closed. The situation will be reassessed on April 6. During the building closure staff will be able to do a thorough and deep clean of the entire facility, ensuring that everything is sanitized prior to re-opening the facility.

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.

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.

Please maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others utilizing trails and other public spaces. Playgrounds and public restrooms are closed.

Questions? 419.354.6223
SCHEDULE A RIDE: 1-800-579-4299
BG Transit
As of right now, BG Transit is continuing operations but in modified form.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday through Friday
6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
No service on Sunday or Holidays

Questions? 419.354.6203
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