In case of the destruction or loss of public records whereby the ordinary and usual documentary evidence of the levy and assessment of taxes or assessments upon real estate by the municipality, or of the collection or payment thereof is incapable of production, by reason whereof taxes and assessments which are unpaid are liable to be lost, or their collection is rendered doubtful or difficult, the body having control of the finances of the municipality, may, by resolution adopted by the same vote that may be required to expend moneys, reduce the rate of interest on the taxes or assessments, or both, or authorize the taxes or assessments, or both, to be received and paid and wholly discharged without interest, if paid within a certain time to be specified in the resolution, not exceeding one year after the adoption thereof.