Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 20, 2025
News Summary
The Bowling Green City Commission has reduced the property tax rate for 2025 to 20.3%, down from 20.4%. This decision reflects stable real estate values and the city’s growth. In 2024, 60% of properties were reassessed, resulting in a property growth rate of 6.3%. City officials encourage residents to understand tax jurisdictions and the process to petition against the tax rate.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – The Bowling Green City Commission has officially lowered the property tax rate for 2025 to 20.3%, slightly down from the previous year’s rate of 20.4%. This decision came during a public hearing on the proposed tax rate attended by city officials, community members, and first responders.
City Manager Jeff Meisel emphasized Bowling Green’s status as the fastest-growing city in Kentucky, showcasing a vibrant economy that has remained strong amidst economic fluctuations. Stability in the city’s real estate values has played a crucial role in maintaining consistent tax rates over the years. Meisel also stressed the importance of understanding the various tax jurisdictions in the area, which include city property tax, county property tax, and school district property taxes.
The Bowling Green Independent School District, Warren County Public Schools, city, and county are the four agencies that set their own tax rates. Meisel noted a significant property reassessment in Warren County, where 60% of properties were reassessed in 2024, resulting in a marked increase in property values. The overall growth rate for properties in Bowling Green reached 6.3% in 2024.
It is important to clarify that the city commissioners do not set property assessment values, a function that falls under the jurisdiction of the Property Value Administration. Citizens with inquiries regarding the tax rate are encouraged to contact the finance department through email or phone.
Mayor Todd Alcott reiterated the commission’s commitment to fostering responsible community growth. Since the tax rate was last reduced from 30 cents in 1980, it has remained unchanged, with the recent adjustment being the first decrease in several years. City CFO Katie Schaller-Ward explained that any increases in tax invoices are attributed to rising assessment values rather than any change in the tax rate itself.
A mandatory 45-day waiting period is enforced following the adoption of the new tax rate ordinance before finalization, during which a notice must be published within seven days. Residents wishing to petition against the tax rate can do so if they gather approximately 2,312 signatures, which represent 10% of the total votes in the previous presidential election. Updates regarding the tax rate proposal will continue to be disseminated periodically.
Key Facts about the 2025 Tax Rate Decision
- New Tax Rate: 20.3% (down from 20.4%)
- Property Growth Rate: 6.3% in 2024
- Reassessed Properties: 60% in Warren County
- Signature Requirement for Petition: 2,312 signatures
- Timeframe for Rate Finalization: 45 days waiting period
Background Information
Bowling Green has seen significant changes over decades, with the tax rate being frozen since its significant cut in 1980. Demand for housing and commercial space has grown, contributing to the city’s dynamic economic landscape. Despite national economic challenges, the local real estate market has held steady, allowing the city to lower the tax rate while continuing to support vital community services.
For residents needing more information about property taxes, they can contact the city’s finance department via email at [email protected] or phone at 270-393-3000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the new property tax rate for 2025 in Bowling Green? The new property tax rate has been set at 20.3%.
- Why did the city commission decide to lower the tax rate? The decision was made to reflect stable real estate values and ongoing community growth.
- How does the reassessment of properties affect taxes? Property reassessments can lead to higher property values, which in turn may increase tax invoices but not necessarily the tax rate.
- What is the process for residents to petition against the new tax rate? Residents must gather around 2,312 signatures to petition against the tax rate within the designated period after its adoption.
- Who is responsible for setting property assessment values? The Property Value Administration handles the setting of property assessment values, not the city commission.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Bowling Green City Commissioners Discuss Proposed 2025 Tax Rate
- WNKY: Bowling Green City Commission Discusses Property Tax Rates
- BG Daily News: News on Bowling Green
- Wikipedia: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bowling Green
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
