Ohio wetlands protectors hit with unexpected tax

COLUMBUS (AP) — An Ohio couple who donated 33 acres of their land for wetlands preservation got an unhappy surprise when a change in tax policy hit them with a $56,000 property tax bill.

The state Department of Taxation had long allowed land enrolled in the wetlands program to remain agricultural for tax purposes, but recently decided to eliminate that break.

Taxation Department spokesman Gary Gudmundson says the tax break was never meant for conservation.

The Columbus Dispatch reported today that the Franklin County Auditor’s Office sent John and Marilyn Saveson of fast-growing Columbus suburb New Albany a bill for $56,119 after the state announced the change.

The bill also surprised federal conservation officials who assured the couple that putting land in the Wetland Reserve Program wouldn’t change its tax status.