Blan mulls money solutions

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BLANCHESTER — A levy may be on a future ballot for Blanchester. But to get there they’ll need approval.

During a specially scheduled meeting on Thursday, Blanchester Village Council discussed the possibility of an earnings tax levy being placed on a future ballot.

Council member Don Gephart spoke during the meeting about a separate meeting held with a committee featuring citizens and local business owners. According to him, the committee was formed to help figure out ways to bring income into the village.

“First thing we did was (ask) why the village was broke. What were some of the causes of this?” said Gephardt.

He said that among the causes is Ohio Gov. John Kasich taking money from municipalities to balance the state budget, which has led to the village not having enough money.

He also said that there seems to be a public perception of the Board of Public Affairs. Gephart said that some residents seem to think that they’re “different from the village” and with a lot of money.

Darrell Kingsland, owner of BDK Feed in Blanchester, said he had spoken with locals and they told him they wouldn’t vote for an earnings tax as long as the BPA was still there.

Some proposed funding solutions include putting together a professional sales presentation to try to bring business to Blanchester, getting a grant writer and adding a city manager.

“We want to draw in all the businesses,” Gephart said. “Manufacturing, restaurants, everything we can get to Blanchester.”

But three suggestions were highlighted as talking points for a possible earnings tax — the main one being designating a Village Administrator and what his or her duties would be.

“He’d have to do plans, directly manage and oversee the operations and activities in the village in accordance with the mayor and the direction of the village council,” Gephart said.

The administrator would need organizational skills, be up-to-date on policies of the village and administration, and have skills in preparing and administering municipal budgets. Gephart also pointed out that this position would be able to coincide with the village plan.

The other two talking points were informing locals that they’d be keeping the police department updated, and fixing the streets.

“When people ask you why we’re going for an earnings tax, you tell them these three things,” said Gephart.

For the issue to be placed on the Nov. 7 ballot, it would have to file it by Aug. 9.

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By John Hamilton

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Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574

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