(A) Authority to assess. The city may levy special assessments against the property of a governmental unit benefitted by an improvement to the same extent as if the property were privately owned, but no such assessments, except for storm sewers and drain systems, shall be levied against a governmental unit for properties used or to be used for highway rights of way. A GOVERNMENTAL UNIT means a county, city, public corporation or a school district. If the amount of any such assessment, except one against property of the state, is not paid when due, it may be recovered in a civil action brought by the city against the governmental unit owning the property so assessed.
(B) Determination and collection of assessment. In the case of property owned by the state or any instrumentality thereof, the Council may determine the amount that would have been assessed had the land been privately owned. The determination shall be made only after the Council has held a hearing on the proposed assessment after at least two weeks’ notice of the hearing has been given by registered or certified mail to the head of the instrumentality, department or agency having jurisdiction over the property. The amount thus determined may be paid by the instrumentality, department or agency from available funds. If no funds are available and such instrumentality, department or agency is supported, in whole or in part, by appropriations from the general revenue fund, then it shall include in its next budget request the amount thus determined. No instrumentality, department or agency shall be bound by the determination of the Council and may pay from available funds or recommend payment in such lesser amount as it determines is the measure of the benefit received by the land from the improvement.
(C) Exclusiveness. This section shall not modify any law authorizing the imposition of special assessments against governmental units.
(Prior Code, § 202.15)