To defray the costs and expenses of street improvements as may be authorized by law, the mayor and city council shall have power and authority to levy and collect special taxes and assessments upon the lots and pieces of ground adjacent to and abutting upon the street, avenue, alley or sidewalk in whole or in part opened, widened, curbed, curbed and guttered, graded, paved, repaired, graveled, macadamized, parked, extended, constructed or otherwise improved or repaired or which may be specially benefited by any of such improvements.
(1964 Code, § 19-49)