The City of Bowling Green had an impressive list of accomplishments last year but there remains a lengthy to-do list in 2024.

Mayor Mike Aspacher gave his State of the City address this morning and thanked the community for its continuing support as he starts his second term as mayor.

“Bowling Green has achieved significant progress and success in 2023,” he said.

Seeds were planted many years ago for 2023 accomplishments, including the new city building, the roundabout on East Wooster Street, an updated zoning code, and water line improvements in the Village subdivision.

The city blended the past with the needs of today by incorporating the historic façade of the original post office building into the new city building and will salute its heritage with addition of historic signs throughout the city.

“The past cannot be a weight that holds us down, it is a base on which to build. And today we build,” Aspacher said.

Aspacher pointed to the new Bowling Green City Schools high school, strong employment, growth in the industrial community, increasing enrollment at Bowling Green State University and the investment in industrial and residential areas in the city.

According to Bowling Green Economic Development, 19 companies in the city created new jobs last year, 27 reported making capital improvement totaling more than $92 million, and four new companies were welcomed.

“It’s important, too, that we continue to support our existing businesses in the city … (and) continue to understand and work towards goals that support both stability and deliberate growth,” he said.

“This means, as a community, we grow with intention, recognizing that our community must maintain its identity and support existing businesses while also embracing opportunities to expand in ways that enhance and support the town. I believe both are possible,” he said.

Efforts to improve the quality of life in the city have included updating the city’s zoning code, modernizing the city’s zoning regulations, adopting an exterior property maintenance code and working to remedy concerns with housing conditions.

“These are projects that are improving the quality of life for our citizens,” Aspacher said.

In 2023, 270 residential zoning permits were issued, including 29 for new homes.

“I’m confident that we’re going to exceed that in 2024,” Aspacher said.

In order to encourage growth in housing options, the city has temporarily suspended certain fees for new home construction and expanded the Community Reinvestment Area program to offer incentives for new home building and major remodeling.

“We cannot lose sight of investing in our current neighborhoods, but we cannot ignore that there are people who want to live in our community who cannot due to lack of housing availability,” he said. “Maintaining existing housing assets while also managing the development of new housing options are not mutually exclusive. I believe we can do both.”

Financially, the city is in stable condition, he said. General government expenditures were approximately $44 million last year, and utility fund expenditures were $107.5 million. Nearly $33.6 million in expenses were for capital purchases and another $1.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds were utilized for capital purposes.

Capital investments in 2023 included $9.7 million in general utilities, $5 million in street repairs, $13 million in water/sewer improvements, and $1.4 million in general government improvements.

Income tax receipts were up 4.4% as compared to 2022.

ARPA funds have been used to assist homeowners with new roofs, air conditioning and furnace replacements, doors and window replacements, residential street paving, walking path and security lighting at City Park, construction of downtown restrooms, improvements at the Carter Park disc golf course, financial support for the inclusive playground at Carter Park and pool admittance fees, and the purchase of radios for the safety services department to improve communications.

ARPA funds also will be used to future projects including paths from Crim Elementary to Carter Park and the high school to the community center, alleyway improvements downtown, pickleball courts at the community center and a dog park at Ridge Park.

“These last items are particularly representative of the strengths and importance of community collaboration,” Aspacher said.

The police division has added license plate reading devices and drones as well as traffic and speed detection surveys to determine the best locations and times to enforce speed violations and deter traffic violations.

“Be care out there. We’re watching,” Aspacher said.

The fire department, which handled 3,596 runs last year, was recognized for its prompt recognition, treatment and transportation of patients suffering heart attacks and strokes

Aspacher also gave a shout out to the 300 city employees who support the community with their professionalism, training and dedication.

Additional plans for 2024 include the construction of an additional clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant that will allow for the handling of a larger volume of waterwater and improve efficiency; the paving of Gypsy Lane Road, Pearl Street and Sand Ridge Road; downtown improvements including alley improvements and public art installations; and addressing the needs of the police and fire facilities.

There are major structural deficiencies at the Court Street fire station and the facility is outdated and does not support the safe and efficient delivery of fire and ambulance services.

The police station needs significant building renovations and dispatch has reached its current capacity in its existing space. A communication center will be built south of the station at the site of the former bank.

Community meetings will be held this summer to discuss how best to address capital improvements.

“By starting these conversations now, it is our hope to formulate a plan over the next year about how to move forward,” Aspacher said.

“I chose to focus today’s address on recent and upcoming project completions in order to demonstrate our commitment to all of you and to everyone who lives in, works in and visits our community,” he said. “I am confident that this positive momentum has us positioned for success well into the future.”

City council member William Herald said the mayor blended vision with accomplishment.

“It really impresses me how much they can accomplish in a year,” said Mary Hinkelman, director of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce.