Wahkiakum County land owners can expect to see their property tax assessments increase, Assessor Bill Coons announced this week.

Coons said the assessed value of the county increased 11.8 percent this year, by $57.4 million. Part of that was new construction valued at $9 million.

The real estate market also contributed to the increase.

Coons said that the real estate Multi Listing Service has reported data showing property prices increased 10.9 percent in the past year.

In a letter to taxpayers, Coons said he was shocked by prices now paid in the county. "Recently, a modest cottage in Cathlamet sold for double what was paid for it a year ago, $184,000 versus $92,000," he wrote.

People who disagree with valuations can question assessments in two ways:

First, they can complete an Assessed Valuation Review Request form and submit it to the assessor's office by October 15.

Second, they can file an appeal with the county Board of Adjustment.

Coons said the county is attractive to people from other areas who are looking for bargain property. Out-of-area buyers like the local or the lack of land use regulations and are happy to buy here.

"We're like a pothole that's getting filled up," Coons said. "Really, our taxes are low compared to our neighbors."