A tax levy in Bowling Green will be voted on Election Day, Nov. 4, along with seats on the city’s board of education, city council and municipal court.
The tax levy includes a 0.15% increase to the city’s income tax to help fund the construction of two new fire stations in the city. The new stations would be located on Newton Road and Campbell Hill Road. A simple majority vote is needed to pass the levy.
Three non-partisan candidates are running for two seats on the Bowling Green Board of Education. Incumbents Norman Geer and Ryan Myers are running as a partnership against the challenger Steve Bateson. In a statement given to vote411.org, Geer said that state funding is a major issue for the city’s school district
“The Ohio legislature does not adequately fund public education,” said Geer, who serves as the school board’s president. “Less than 30% of our operating budget comes from state funds. Fortunately, we have a supportive community that values education and supports the schools. However, expenses increase and state funding decreases. We are forced to pay more.”
Myers, who is in his fifth year on the school board, also said state funding is an issue in a statement given to vote411.org.
“Ohio’s school funding system remains unstable, with legislators shifting more of the burden onto local taxpayers,” said Myers. “We must continue to advocate strongly for fair, reliable state funding while maintaining transparency with our community about financial challenges and responsible use of resources.”
Bateson is a Bowling Green High School graduate and has lived in the district since 2003. In a statement given to vote411.org, Bateson said low enrollment is a major issue for the district and has led to funding issues.
“[Bowling Green City Schools] has seen a decrease in enrollment over the last five years by over 350 students,” said Bateson. “This has put a strain on the district’s operating budget. Funding per pupil was roughly $5,400 combined from the state and federal per student in 2023/24. BGCS loses more students to neighboring districts than it gains from neighboring districts. We need to do all we can to keep district students in the district.”
Three candidates are running for two at-large seats on the city council. Incumbent Mark Hollenbaugh and challenger Katelyn Elliott are running as Democrats, while incumbent Greg Robinette is running as a Republican. In a statement given to vote411.org, Hollenbaugh focused on city infrastructure.
“First among my priorities is maintaining the high-quality infrastructure and essential public services the city consistently provides, while thoughtfully adapting to ever-evolving technologies and embracing new opportunities for enhanced connectivity throughout the city,” said Hollenbaugh, who serves as the council’s president.
Elliott, who currently serves on the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Board, also focused on city infrastructure in a statement given to vote411.org.
“My main goal is to improve the lives of the people of Bowling Green and make a positive difference for them. Safe Routes to School Funding projects will have a big impact, but we also need more painted crosswalks at busy intersections, especially around our schools,” said Elliott.
Robinette, who is in his 10th year on the council, said in a statement given to vote411.org that he is focused on “moving forward with the new fire stations and the police station renovation.” Robinette also said in his statement that he is focused on city funding and housing.
“I am committed to working with the city administration to ensure that the 2026 and future budgets adequately fund safety services, street maintenance and repair and our public utilities,” said Robinette. “Reviewing the zoning code at least annually to ensure that the recently enacted changes create enough opportunity for new housing development in all residential housing categories.”
Three of the four ward seats on the city council are uncontested. Current Democrat members Jordan Musgrave and Joel O’Dorisio will remain as council members representing the first and second wards, respectively. Democrat Kathleen Dennis will become the city’s third ward council member, replacing Democrat Rachel Phipps. The fourth ward has incumbent Republican William Herald, who has served 16 years as council member, going up against Democrat Audrey Baker, a former bartender who is now a student at Bowling Green State University. Current Bowling Green Municipal Court Judge Alyssa Blackburn is running unopposed as a Republican. She has served in the position since January 2025.
To find more information on what’s on the ballot, visit vote411.org and the League of Women Voters of Bowling Green’s page.
