Ohio official returns to work after tax problem

COLUMBUS (AP) — An official with Ohio’s economic development department has returned to work after resigning amid revelations that he owed tens of thousands of dollars in back taxes.

Mark Barbash returned today as chief economic development officer. He resigned in May as interim development director and took a month of paid accrued leave to address the tax matter.

Public records showed he owed $146,313 in back taxes, penalties and fees to the Internal Revenue Service and had fallen behind on house payments.

Development Department spokeswoman Kelly Schlissberg says the office is satisfied that Barbash has addressed his personal financial issues.

She says Barbash has agreed to a payment plan with the IRS, and the state of Ohio and has made a large bank payment to release the hold on his home.