The expense of constructing, reconstructing, or repairing and improving sewers, drains, ditches, and water courses, may be paid by general tax upon all the taxable property in the City; or such expenses may be defrayed by special assessments upon the lands and premises benefitted by the drainage, in proportion to the benefits resulting to each lot or parcel of land respectively; or such part of the expense as the council shall determine may be defrayed by special assessment; and the remainder may be paid by general tax.