City-sponsored workshops aimed at teaching property owners about property appraisals and the Nueces County Appraisal District are scheduled for today, Thursday, May 29, at 6 p.m., and Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. Both will be in the city council chamber, 710 W. Ave. A. The workshops are free to Port Aransas property owners.

City Manager Michael Kovacs said the workshops will focus on informing citizens about the appraisal process, helping them to see if their property appraisals are out of line, and giving them pointers on dealing with the appraisal district.

"We can do another workshop if the demand is high enough," Kovacs said.

Real estate agents will be on hand to help in determining the right property value range. The city will provide broadband Internet access to view the appraisal district's Web site for more information, Kovacs said. Some computers will also be available for use. The city has developed a two-page handout with basic information and suggestions on how to move through the process of getting individual property values lowered.

Property owners in Port Aransas have reported appraisals this year that are as much as 200 percent over last year. Last year, property values went up so much that the city took the unprecedented step of protesting to the appraisal district on behalf of single-family home owners.