As 2025 comes to a close, the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office looks back on a year that followed the familiar rhythm of the tax roll yet unfolded with its own remarkable story of growth, teamwork, and community. Although the statutory cycle remains constant from property assessments on January 1 through the issuance of tax bills in November, this year brought new challenges, new friendships, new accomplishments, and a renewed sense of purpose that made it truly memorable.

The year began with property assessments on January 1. Field staff were out early, checking new construction, updating records, and ensuring values accurately reflected the changing landscape of the county. By March 1, the office entered the always busy season of exemptions and classifications, assisting homeowners, disabled veterans, widows, and agricultural operators with meeting statutory deadlines. Despite high volume and heavy demand, the team’s patience and professionalism ensured that thousands of residents received the benefits for which they qualified.

By June 1, estimated values were provided to taxing authorities to support budget planning for the coming year. These values represented months of diligent work, and our residential and commercial appraisers played a pivotal role by producing fair and equitable assessments grounded in accuracy, market data, and statutory guidelines. Their careful analysis ensured that the values delivered to taxing authorities were not only reliable but reflected a consistent commitment to fairness for every property owner in Citrus County.

July 1 marked the submission of the preliminary tax roll to the Department of Revenue, a milestone that reflected months of careful fieldwork, verification, and teamwork. When TRIM notices went out in mid-August, the office saw its usual wave of questions and appointments, but this year’s communication efforts made the process smoother and more productive for the public. September brought the adoption of millage rates, and by November the tax bills were issued, completing another successful cycle.

The real heart of 2025, however, lay in the people behind the work. This year the office welcomed new employees whose talent and energy strengthened every department. The team also said goodbye to colleagues who retired or moved on to new opportunities after years of dedicated service. Their commitment, their contributions, and the friendships they built left a lasting mark on the office.

Along with these transitions, several employees moved into new departments where their skills and potential could shine even brighter. Staff members were given opportunities to apply their strengths in areas where they were most needed, stepping into roles in appraisal, GIS, IT, tax roll operations, administrative support, and commercial work. Each move reflected the value of their abilities and the confidence the office has in their growth. These transitions not only helped employees expand their skill sets but also strengthened the overall efficiency and versatility of the organization.

Training and professional growth were central themes throughout the year. Staff participated in hands-on field instruction, workshops on appraisal techniques, GIS map training, customer service sessions, value adjustment board hearing walk-throughs, and updates on legislative changes. Several employees earned professional designations such as the Certified Florida Evaluator (CFE) and Cadastral Mapping Specialist (CMS), marking important milestones in their careers and enhancing the expertise of the entire office. In addition, our office proudly earned the CEAA designation, further reflecting our commitment to excellence and continued advancement. These achievements not only elevated individual staff members but also strengthened the level of service we provide to the residents of Citrus County.

But 2025 was not defined by work alone. There were shared lunches, birthday celebrations, team gatherings, career anniversaries, conferences, being there for each other when we needed it most and long car rides filled with conversation and laughter. Through every high and every low, the team supported one another. Whether handling difficult parcels, adapting to new technology, managing staffing shifts, or dealing with weather delays or vehicle issues, the office met each challenge with determination and a strong sense of unity.

There were many high points including positive audits, successful public outreach efforts, advancements in technology, quick parcel record update turnarounds, and a clean certification of the tax roll. There were also challenging moments such as increased workloads due to county growth, multiple hurricanes and other catastrophic events, legislative adjustments that required swift adaptation, and the pressure of peak seasons. Yet through it all, the staff rose to meet every challenge with professionalism, flexibility, and heart.

As the year comes to a close, the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office reflects proudly on a year defined by dedication, integrity, community, and sincere teamwork. The tax roll may follow the same schedule each year, but the people who bring it to life make every year unique. The story of 2025 is a story of accomplishments, friendships, new beginnings, farewells, and shared purpose. It is a chapter that will be remembered as one of the office’s finest. But as always, this is never the end. We rise to the challenge of making 2026 even better. There are levels to this thing called life, and we have not hit the highest level yet. So we will push forward, set new goals, be there for each other, continue to educate the public in new ways, offer continuous training for our staff, and keep striving for excellence in every chapter yet to be written.