More help is on the way for city residents who want to challenge new property assessments.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl on Friday proposed splitting appraisal costs with homeowners who need ammunition for appeal hearings. He asked city council to set aside $100,000 for the program, modeled after the appraisal help that the city provided after Allegheny County reassessments about a decade ago.

"We want to make sure residents receive a fair and accurate assessment," Mr. Ravenstahl said. His spokeswoman, Joanna Doven, said an appraisal is the "gold standard in fighting an inaccurate assessment."

Councilman Bill Peduto said he has been working with Councilman Corey O'Connor and city Controller Michael Lamb on a separate plan for appeal assistance.

Mr. Peduto said that plan includes legal help, counseling and subsidized appraisals. He said other details will be provided Monday.

If necessary, he said, elements of that plan and Mr. Ravenstahl's plan can be combined at the council table.

Mr. Ravenstahl plans to invite appraisal firms to submit proposals and then vet those proposals based on the firms' fees, capacity to handle the work and other factors.

Ms. Doven said the city plans to lock in a per-appraisal fee with one or more firms and then pay half of each resident's bill. She said owners of more expensive homes might not be eligible for the program but stressed that those kinds of details are up in the air.

Legislation authorizing the program will be introduced in council Tuesday, and Mr. Ravenstahl said he looks forward to a "public discussion" about the terms. He said he believes a majority of council members will support the idea.

The measure will help to ensure that residents are served by reputable firms, Ms. Doven said, noting some firms sent representatives to hand out brochures at Mr. Ravenstahl's community meetings on assessments.