SEC. 8.01. POWER TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND LEVY ASSESSMENTS. 
   The City shall have the power to make any and every type of public improvement not forbidden by the laws of this State and to levy special assessments to pay all or any part of the cost of such improvements as are of a local character. The amounts assessed to benefited property to pay for such local improvements may equal the cost of the improvement, including all costs and expenses connected therewith, with interest, until paid, but shall in no case exceed the benefits to the property.