The amount assessed under the terms of this article against any property or owner thereof shall be secured by a privilege lien upon the property to secure the expenditure so made. Such liens shall be second only to tax liens and liens for street improvements, and such assessment shall constitute a personal liability against the owner of the property in favor of the city. Such liens and liability may be enforced by suit in any court having jurisdiction and the assessment aforesaid or a certified copy thereof shall be prima facie evidence of the amount expended in any such work or improvement. (Code 1941, Art. 86-54)