Martin County property appraiser briefs commissioners on TRIM notices and owner rights ahead of mailing

Martin County Property Appraiser Jenny Fields briefed the Board on the county’s Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices that will be mailed to more than 107,000 property owners, explaining the notice’s six primary functions, timelines and appeal routes.

Fields told commissioners the TRIM notice is a proposed statement: it contains proposed market value, assessed value and taxable value for the property and proposed millage rates for each taxing authority. She explained the differences: market value is the appraiser’s estimate of worth as of the assessment date (Jan. 1), assessed value applies statutory assessment limitations or caps, and taxable value is the assessed value minus exemptions; taxable value is the base used to compute tax bills in November.

Fields emphasized the 25‑day window listed on the TRIM notice during which property owners may contact the property‑appraiser’s office to ask questions or file a protest about value. She explained that questions about millage rates should be directed to the taxing authorities listed on the notice and that the roll must be certified after the appeal deadline so tax bills can be mailed.

Fields also described an informational supplement that will accompany the TRIM mailing and announced in‑person assistance sessions at the Hobe Sound Library (Sept. 3, 1:30 p.m.) and Blake Library (Sept. 10, 1 p.m.). She noted the property appraiser’s office produces an e‑newsletter and educational material, and urged residents to read the TRIM notice carefully and call the office with valuation questions.

Ending: Fields closed by inviting residents to the public sessions and offering her office’s contact information; commissioners thanked her for the clear explanation on owner rights and deadlines.