Fewer dollars in proposed Bowling Green budget due to coronavirus

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- COVID-19 is having an effect on the city of Bowling Green’s 2020-2021 budget.

On Tuesday, City Manager Jeff Meisel presented next year’s proposed budget, which shows a nearly 10% decrease in revenue. Meisel said it’s a direct result of the coronavirus.

The overall proposed budget is just over $114 million for the next fiscal year, while the current budget is around $124 million.

The good news is that property taxes aren’t expected to rise in the city for the 17th consecutive year. Moreover, while there are fewer dollars to spend, there are several capital projects budgeted, including phase one of the development at Riverfront Park and a new park on Pascoe Blvd.

Meisel said this was the hardest budget he has had to put together in nearly two decades.

The first reading of the budget will takes place at the June 16 city commission meeting.