News from BG: March 30, 2022
State of the City Address

Thank you to all who attended Mayor Aspacher's State of the City Address, and thank you to the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, Bowling Green Economic Development, and Clint Corpe, The Morning Show for helping us host this important event.

"So I challenge you: do not fear change. We can be smart in how we approach it, we can be measured in how we implement it...but we should not fear change. The State of Bowling Green is strong and we have great opportunity in front of us. Like those that came before us, we must not be afraid to explore new and innovative improvements. Let us embrace the numerous opportunities available to us, partner together, and set realistic--yet aspirational--goals to continue moving Bowling Green forward!” ~Mayor Aspacher, State of the City Address
April is National Fair Housing Month

The City of Bowling Green proclaims endorsement and commitment to the policy of fair and equal access to housing. The Fair Housing Act was signed into law on April 11th, 1968, one week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, and familial status.

The City of Bowling Green further encourages the citizens of the municipality to acquaint themselves with their rights that are protected under the law and join in reaffirming a commitment to Fair Housing for all regardless of race, color, religion, nation origin, sex, familial status, or handicap (disability). The City is undertaking various additional marketing campaigns throughout the month in an effort to ensure all residents know their rights under the Fair Housing Act, and how to seek assistance with Fair Housing matters.

The City of Bowling Green supports fair housing efforts to eliminate discrimination in housing by providing education to seekers of housing, rental property owners/managers and others regarding state and federal fair housing laws; monitors local advertising for potential fair housing violations; and reports violations of the fair housing acts to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. If you are a resident of the City of Bowling Green, we are ready to help you with any problem of housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, you may contact us at (419) 354-6221 or bggrants@bgohio.org.
Friday Birding Series at Wintergarden/St. Johns Nature Preserve

Bowling Green Parks and Recreation is excited to offer Friday Morning Birding at Wintergarden/ St. John’s Nature Preserve with Chris Gajewicz. This series will run from Friday April 8th until May 27th, 2022. Adults 18 and older and birders of all ability levels are welcome to meet at Wintergarden/ St. John’s Nature Preserve on Fridays at 7:30 AM. Binoculars and field guides are available for those who do not have their own. Hikes will last a minimum of one hour, but could last longer based on sightings and bird activity. 

No pre-registration is required and participants can come to one or all of the meetings as they fit their schedules. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes that allow for walking on our trails. Regardless of weather, we’ll still flock together! 

For questions, please call 419-353-0301, or email cgajewicz@bgohio.org.
Utilities Wins National Award for Outstanding Safety Practices

The City of Bowling Green Municipal Utilities has earned the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2021. The utility earned first place award in the category for utilities with 30,000 to 59,999 worker-hours of annual worker exposure.

“In our industry, safety is the top priority,” said Bob Scudder, Chair of APPA’s Safety Committee and Industrial Hygiene and Corporate Risk Manager at Grand River Dam Authority. “This is a commitment that needs to come from the top down and permeate every aspect of operations. These awarded utilities have embraced this priority, and they deserve to be celebrated.”

318 utilities from across the country...Continue Reading Safety Award
Residential Food Waste Drop Off Celebrates One Year Anniversary
To help reduce the amount of food waste being sent to landfills, the City of Bowling Green has a Food Waste Drop Off. The Drop Off became available to Bowling Green residents on March 26, 2021. Twelve 64-gallon containers are located behind the Public Works garage, near the public Yard Waste Drop Off, on Tarragon Drive. The area is clearly marked with signs identifying where to drop off residential food waste and brochures are available listing the accepted materials and program guidelines.

During this first year of operation, the program has diverted 27.6 tons of food waste from the Landfill.

Food waste can not be left in the yard waste collection area and yard waste can not be left in the food waste area. All food waste collected is taken to a certified facility to be composted. Those using this service are encouraged to review the list of accepted items below to minimize the amount of contamination. 
Earth Month Electronic Waste Recycling Drive
BGSU's Office of Campus Sustainability has partnered with its certified electronic waste recycling provider, AIM Ecycling, to provide residents of the City of Bowling Green and the surrounding community with a free, safe, and environmentally-responsible way to dispose of their unwanted and/or outdated electronics.


Saturday, April 9, 2022
9am - 1pm (No Late Arrivals)
BGSU Ice Arena Parking Lot (north side, off Mercer Rd)

Questions may be emailed to:
Income Tax Reminders
Need help completing your forms? Call 419-354-6212.
The City of Bowling Green tax filing due date is April 18, 2022 for 2021 tax returns. Payments of your 2021 tax return and first quarter 2022 estimated tax payment are also due April 18, 2022.

The Bowling Green Income Tax Division requires a copy of your Federal tax return (Form 1040) and all W-2s. If you are claiming Bowling Green withholding or a credit for taxes paid to another municipality, your W-2 needs to report this withholding.

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).

Those who are planning to file income tax returns in person are strongly encouraged to do so well in advance of the April 18th deadline in order to avoid long lines.
BGPD Hiring an Entry Level Police Officer
The City of Bowling Green is accepting applications from February 8, 2022 through March 31, 2022 for the classification of Police Officer.

Candidates must take and pass a video, writing, and reading examination through the National Testing Network (NTN) prior to the deadline. Candidates are responsible for registering for the NTN examination, paying any associated fees/costs and submitting their scores. A physical ability test will be required of the candidates who pass the NTN exams and submit their application to the City of Bowling Green by March 31, 2022.
The City of Bowling Green is currently accepting applications for several open positions. Interested applicants may review current Job Postings and the Application Process on the City's website.

Contact the Human Resources Department if additional assistance is required.
As cases have continued to drop across the U.S., the CDC has provided new guidelines to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on local COVID cases and hospitalizations.

Precautions are recommended based on the level of risk in the community – low, medium or high. Across all levels, people are encouraged to stay up to date on COVID vaccines and get tested if they have symptoms.

  • For communities classified as low, no other precautions are advised.
  • For communities classified as medium, people who are at high risk for severe illness, like older adults and individuals with certain health conditions, are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider about whether they should wear a mask and take other precautions.
  • For communities classified as high, it is recommended that everyone wear masks indoors in public.

For more information on the levels visit the Wood County Health Department's Webpage.