New property tax law changes in Illinois are effective with assessments for 2008 payable in 2009. If you farm but have a majority of acres that are not used for farm purposes, if your property is mostly wooded, if you are involved in recreational uses of land such as hunting, or if you own a home and a few acres in the country but don't farm any of it, you will likely be affected. These types of land will be taxed at a much higher rate than in the past.

Mike Plumer, University of Illinois Extension Educator, will present information on these changes at a meeting set for Tuesday, February 19^th at 6:30 p.m. in the Extension Building. He will discuss the difference between farm land and recreational land, whether a conservation stewardship plan can help, how to get one of these plans, and how taxes will be affected. Cindy Humm, Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments will also be present to answer questions.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend this program. There is no fee, but registration is needed by February 15^th so that materials can be available. Call Franklin County Extension at 618-439-3178 to sign up.