The city of Bowling Green’s income tax revenues are coming in nearly 10% higher than last year at this time.
Council’s Finance Committee held a quarterly review of the city’s finances year-to-date, through June 30, Monday evening.
Income tax collections through the end of the second quarter totaled nearly $14.4 million, more than the approximately $13 million collected during the same period in 2023, or 9.98% higher.
Finance Director Dana Pinkert told the committee that some of that increase was expected “because we changed some of our procedures, we’re getting some of our cash sooner.” She said that, based on the increase, it was safe to raise the city’s income tax revenue projection for the year from $25.45 million to $26.625 million, or by about $1.7 million.
Pinkert also updated the committee on American Rescue Plan Act monies. The city was allocated $7.3 million, and it is expected that all but $270,000 will be obligated or spent by the end of the year, and that amount will be reallocated. Of that $7.3 million, over $3.9 million has been designed for the city’s three-year paving plan.
The city also completed collective bargaining agreements with each of its unions this year.
Pinkert, in her presentation, said that increases in those agreements will be absorbed by “healthy fund balances and the increased projection for income taxes.”
“The takeaway from that meeting is that the city is on solid financial ground and there is continued reason for optimism as it relates to the city’s finances,” Mayor Michael Aspacher told council during their meeting later Monday evening.
In other business, during Monday’s council meeting, council:
• Witnessed the presentation of an Honor Roll Award in honor of the late councilwoman Sandy Rowland by the city’s Human Relations Commission. Rowland’s daughter, Heidi Pierce, accepted the award, which recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who, among other efforts, work “to make the BG community a welcoming place to all people.”
“I just hope that her memory is a cause for inspiration for those” working to create inclusive communities, Pierce said.
• Approved more than $308,417 in supplemental appropriations related to digital security. According to the legislative package document prepared for council, “the IT director has identified a security vulnerability in the city’s data storage and back-up structure and recommends immediate solutions to protect against data loss and ensure minimal operational downtime. This has generated the need for a supplemental appropriation to fund the expense.” The amount is to be split up between four of the city’s funds.
• Heard from Aspacher, who praised the city’s water and sewer distribution crews, noting there was a water main break in the city early Saturday morning. Crews worked throughout the night and day, Aspacher said, and “water was out of service for a very limited number of apartment buildings in the area for one hour while the repair was made.”
• Heard from council President Mark Hollenbaugh, who said that council’s Committee-of-the-Whole will meet Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. for a presentation of the city’s Climate Action Plan.
• Heard from resident Rose Drain, who offered a series of suggestions to council regarding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Among her comments, Drain congratulated the city on its receipt of a $500,000 grant from the State of Ohio for Safe Routes to Schools, but also suggested that the planned shared use path on South Main Street from Napoleon to Gypsy Lane Roads be extended from Ordway to Gypsy Lane, noting the footprint of the path. She additionally suggested potential bicycle infrastructure on West Wooster, Haskins and Conneaut.
