Hefty property tax hikes for homeowners have raised questions about the City of Boston’s assessment process, where similar homes on the same street can vary significantly in value and property values can spike without renovations.

A tax on sugary drinks could fund important programs and improve public health, Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan is arguing.

The Boston City Council plans to discuss the possibility of imposing a new local tax on sodas and other sugary drinks. Councilor Sharon Durkan introduced a measure Wednesday that seeks to explore the new tax as a means of generating revenue for the city to spend on public health initiatives and discouraging the consumption of sugar-laden drinks that she says have been shown to increase the

Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan proposed the idea as a way to promote healthier habits among residents and also raise additional revenue for the city.

Boston city councilors plan to hold a hearing on the issue. A new city tax on sugary drinks would require approval from state lawmakers, in addition to city leaders.

A tax of 2 cents per ounce of sugar drinks could raise $20-30 million annually for the city while dissuading people from buying unhealthy beverages, one city councilor argues.

Boston City Council voted Wednesday to kill a measure that would have created an ethics committee made up of council members.

Boston city councilors on Wednesday introduced a tax on sweetened beverages to fund public health initiatives.