Bowling Green eyes $42.5M for major projects

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — Bowling Green city commissioners moved forward Tuesday with plans to finance up to $42.5 million for a new municipal building and Fire Station No. 9.

The commission also approved a nearly $2.6 million construction management proposal for the City Hall project and accepted a $140,000 state grant for sinkhole repairs.

City considers $42.5 million financing plan

Under Order 2026-183, the commission expressed its intent to finance up to $42.5 million for the two construction projects.

Current projections include about $35 million for the City Hall campus and $7.5 million for Fire Station No. 9. Officials said those figures could change as planning continues.

The order does not immediately issue debt. City officials expect to pursue a bond issue next year, allowing Bowling Green to later reimburse itself for eligible expenses paid before the bonds are issued.

City Hall campus would be redeveloped

The municipal project would preserve and renovate the historic City Hall while replacing three other buildings on the downtown campus.

The Public Works building next to City Hall, the City Hall Annex and the white building behind City Hall are expected to be demolished. A new municipal building would connect to the existing City Hall.

“As we plan the new building, we are looking to plan for a 100-year-plus building that will serve the citizens of Bowling Green,” City Manager Jeff Meisel said. “It’s going to be a building that we’re all to be proud of.”

The facility would bring several city departments and staff members onto one campus and include a larger commission chamber. Final department assignments are still being developed.

Brent Childers, director of Neighborhood and Community Services, said the city has adapted several older buildings for government use over the years.

“We’ve made do with a bunch of old buildings for a long time,” Childers said. “And now it’s time to make something for the next generation.”

Kelly Construction selected

Commissioners approved Order 2026-181, accepting a $2,579,697 proposal from Kelly Construction Inc. to serve as construction manager.

The company will work with the city and its architectural team, review plans, oversee bids and help establish a guaranteed maximum price.

City officials said local suppliers, vendors and subcontractors will have opportunities to compete for portions of the work.

“If you’re here and you can do the work, you should do the work,” a Kelly Construction representative said. “That’s what we want.”

Parrigin casts only no vote

Commissioner Sue Parrigin cast the only no vote on the Kelly Construction proposal.

Parrigin said the company was qualified but believed the city should have favored an established local firm because the companies’ qualifications and proposed costs were close.

“Just because you’re a local company doesn’t mean you should get the contract,” Parrigin said. “However, when you’re more than qualified and all of the things are equal, that’s an issue.”

She said the difference amounted to about half a percentage point based on an estimated $25 million construction cost.

“All things being equal, you know, we should select a local company that has committed — I think they’ve been around about 75 years — into this community already,” Parrigin said. “And they’re capable. They’re perfectly capable.”

Kelly Construction representatives said the company has maintained a Bowling Green office for three years and plans to use local subcontractors.

Grant covers sinkhole repairs

The commission unanimously accepted $140,000 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Highway Contingency Fund for repairs on Kiwanis Drive and Shawnee Way.

The money will reimburse the city for costs already incurred. Officials said the repairs were complete or nearly complete, with final paving still needed.

Officials thanked Grants Coordinator Jake Moore for securing the funding and Public Works employees for completing the repairs.

“This is greatly going to help what used to be our annual budget for sinkhole mitigation and has now become a bimonthly issue,” Mayor Todd Alcott said.

Commission recognizes local achievements

Commissioners recognized the SKY BG Elite 2012 soccer team, which won the Kentucky State Cup and reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships.

City paralegal Rachel Donovan was recognized for receiving the Cheryl Ramsey Award, which honors a regional paralegal who goes above and beyond in the legal community.

The Bowling Green Fire Department was recognized for maintaining its ISO Class 1 rating and national accreditation.

The Bowling Green Police Department was honored for receiving a 100% score on a Kentucky League of Cities safety and liability review. Officials said the department has earned a perfect score since 2000.