Raising the Bar: Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office Strives for Excellence
At the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office, we believe that serving this amazing community means never standing still. Every day, we have the privilege and responsibility of serving the citizens of Citrus County, and we know that to do that well, we must continually raise the bar; as individuals, as departments, and as an organization.
Public service is a trust, and with that trust comes the obligation to improve. That means taking a hard look at how we work, how we lead, and how we serve. It means asking, “How can we do this better?” and being willing to act on the answer, even when it requires change, effort, and courage. Our community deserves nothing less than our very best and that is why “raising the bar” has become more than a phrase for us. It’s our mission.
In October 2024, our office took a bold step by committing to pursue the Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration (CEAA) designation through the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO); one of the most respected professional achievements in our field.
This wasn’t our first attempt. Back in 2018, we set out to earn the CEAA but fell short. That experience, rather than discouraging us, became a defining moment. It showed us where we needed to grow and reminded us that true excellence is built step by step, with intention and perseverance.
With renewed determination, stronger systems, and a united team, we went all in. The CEAA is awarded to government offices that demonstrate excellence across a wide range of professional standards; from operational efficiency to customer service to innovation. Out of Florida’s 67 counties, only 16 other property appraiser offices hold this prestigious designation.
And now, we are proud to share that the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office has officially achieved the CEAA designation. This recognition is more than just an award; it represents years of hard work, collaboration, and a deep commitment to serving the public with integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
Our entire team takes pride in this achievement, but more importantly, we see it as a promise to our community: that we will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards and look for ways to improve every single day.
A Year of Professional Milestones
Achieving the CEAA was a defining moment for our office, but it was just the beginning of an incredible year of growth. This accomplishment lit a fire in us; a renewed passion to keep improving, keep learning, and keep setting a higher standard for the service we provide.
In 2025, we saw remarkable professional achievements across our entire team. On July 16th, I proudly recognized four team members who earned their Certified Florida Evaluator (CFE) endorsements from the Florida Department of Revenue:
- Stephen Smith – Tax Roll Specialist I
- Susan Forinash – Parcel Records Specialist II
- Kristy Kapiton – Senior Parcel Records Specialist
- Noraime Acevedo – Tangible Personal Property Specialist I
Each of these individuals dedicated significant time and effort, often outside of normal work hours, to complete coursework and pass challenging exams. Their achievement brings our office total to 27 staff members who hold the CFE designation, with five more currently enrolled. That means over half of our office is now officially recognized by the State of Florida as having advanced expertise in appraisal principles, valuation procedures, and tax administration, a direct benefit to every property owner in Citrus County.
We also celebrated a historic milestone when Ric Fritz, Director of Parcel Records, earned his Certified Mapping Specialist (CMS) designation, the first professional designation achieved in our office since the 1990s. Ric’s accomplishment reflects not only his personal dedication and mastery of mapping sciences but also our renewed commitment to investing in professional development across the entire organization.
These successes are more than lines on a résumé. They reflect a team culture that values learning, accountability, and service. When our team members grow, our entire community benefits. When they sharpen their skills, they help ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and transparent; building trust in local government and providing better service for every resident, business owner, and taxpayer.
Looking Ahead
Achieving the CEAA designation and celebrating our team’s individual milestones have been proud moments, but they are not the finish line, they are the starting point for what comes next.
Excellence is not a one-time achievement; it is a daily commitment. Every morning, we have the opportunity to get a little better than we were yesterday, and we intend to do exactly that. Whether it’s continuing the CEAA cycle of self-assessment, encouraging more staff members to pursue professional designations, or finding innovative ways to improve our processes, we are committed to moving forward together.
We also know this journey isn’t just about us, it’s about you, the citizens of Citrus County. Every decision we make, every improvement we implement, and every class we take is done with you in mind. We want every interaction with our office; whether in person, online, or over the phone; to reflect accuracy, fairness, and respect.
Our promise is simple: we will continue to raise the bar. We will continue to build a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and public service that our community can trust. And we will continue to work hard so that when you think of the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office, you think of a team that serves with integrity and pride.
The future is bright for Citrus County, and we are excited to keep growing, learning, and serving alongside you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. We’re here when you need us. Until next time.
Your Citrus County Property Appraiser,
Cregg Dalton
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