Whenever, in the opinion of the city council, it would be to the best interests of the city for the city itself to replace or repair the street curb or sidewalk, which is not restored under the provisions of this chapter, such work shall be done by the city under the direction of the city engineer and the cost of said work shall be paid by the owner of the property for which the curb cut permit was granted within thirty (30) days after the mailing of a statement of charges to such owner, and if not paid within said time, such charges shall become a lien against the real property to be benefited by the curb cut. (1962 Code § 8-4-13)