Bass Islands Study

About Citizens Research Group

Membership Goals

In 2023, residents of Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass formed the Citizens Research Group to study the possibility of redefining the governance of the Bass Islands. The CRG was created to address challenges stemming from the current local government structure as well as in response to surveys conducted by Bowling Green State University and the Put-in-Bay Property Owners Association over the last 20 plus years.

The goals of the CRG include researching options for governmental systems that include:

• Providing residents of all islands the ability to participate in elections and governance that affects our homes and businesses.
• Creating a framework for a unified plan for delivery systems for emergency services, maintenance, water/sewer, and utilities.
• Creating a cohesive system for governmental services such as budgeting, police, and land use.

Bowling Green State University & Local Gov Consultants

In 2023, the CRG received a grant from BGSU to conduct an updated study, INTERVIEWS, focus groups AND A SURVEY to gather community feedback regarding the challenges with the current governmental systems. BGSU has completed the study and provided the CRG with the results in September, 2024. The role of BGSU includes obtaining community feedback and providing the summation of this information to the CRG.

In 2023, the CRG hired Local Gov Consultants, an independent company composed of experts in the municipal government sector, including former city managers, township administrators, and police chief. The CRG provided Local Gov Consultants with the research obtained by committee members and the results of the BGSU study. The role of Local Gov Consultants includes assessing the CRG committee research, conducting their own research, considering the feedback provided by BGSU study, and finally providing recommendations for the government restructuring options.