BLANCHESTER — After several meetings, hearings and discussions, the Blanchester VIllage Council will be introducing a 1-percent earnings tax on the November ballot — to the relief of Mayor John Carman.

“I’m happy to be past this part and moving to the next step,” he said.

The earning tax will be getting one last look by the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) to make sure everything works out. After that, Carman is hoping to have public hearings about it to address concerns citizens may have.

“It’s good to have open communications about this topic,” he said. “We want to make sure that we address concerns and rumors about it. And we want to make sure those things are cleared up.”

The earnings tax was approved in a 4-0 vote during a special council meeting on Thursday. Council members Tyler McCollister and Lori Byrom weren’t present.

If it passes in November, the money collected will go to hiring a village administrator who will oversee the operation and activities of the village, repair roads and infrastructure, and keep and maintain a fully staffed police force.

According to the council, people such as retirees and people on disability, Social Security, and VA benefits won’t have to pay the tax. Religious, educational, and bonafide charitable organizations will not have to pay as well. The tax will only affect those who have an earned income and it will not raise property tax.

The village administrator role would mean that the Board of Public Affairs would be dissolved.

“Nobody will be losing a job, though,” said Carman. “But this position of the village administrator would look over areas that the board did.”