A new revaluation cycle begins this month and appraisers from the Island County Assessor’s Office will be in the field conducting inspections of property.

Under state law, counties must inspect and value taxable real property at least once every six years.

This year, physical inspections will be conducted in Area 4, which is most of South Whidbey. According to the assessor’s office, it includes neighborhoods and the vicinities around Langley and Clinton.

The appraisal period is for the 2009 assessment year for taxes payable in 2010. State law gives appraisers access to all real property.

Property owners with unusual or extraordinary circumstances that would prohibit inspection have been urged by the county to contact the assessor’s office to make special arrangements.