If assessments under section 1203 are not paid, and any such district does not proceed to collect unpaid assessments by proceedings as prescribed in section 1205, or does not collect or is in any manner delayed or defeated in collecting such assessments by proceedings under section 1205, then the district in its name may maintain a civil action against the party so assessed for the amount of said assessment, as for money paid, laid out and expended, in any court of competent jurisdiction, and in such action may recover the amount of such assessment with 10% interest on the same from the date of said assessment and costs. [PL 1979, c. 541, Pt. A, §275 (AMD).]