Whenever (1) a large portion of the taxable property of a municipality is destroyed by fire so as to seriously impair or affect the ability of the owners thereof to pay taxes or special assessments thereon, and (2) an appropriation ordinance has been passed, or special improvements ordered, before the fire, and (3) the taxes or special assessments have not been levied or collected, the corporate authorities of that municipality may (1) alter or repeal that appropriation ordinance, or any part thereof, (2) order the discontinuance of the special improvements, or any of them, (3) reduce the amount of taxes or special assessments ordered to be levied or collected for any general or special purpose, or (4) pass a new appropriation ordinance. This new appropriation ordinance shall have the same force and effect as if it had been passed within the time elsewhere prescribed by law.