Whenever the municipal board or body in charge of a hospital established under section 30:9-16 of this title shall pursuant to resolution duly passed, certify by its secretary or clerk to the governing body of the city that in its judgment the hospital buildings or property are insanitary, improper or inadequate, the governing body may repair, reconstruct or otherwise improve the same and make alterations and additions required to provide proper hospital accommodations for hospital purposes in such cities. Such improvement shall not be mandatory unless in the judgment of the governing body the work is necessary and the finances of the city will permit it to be done.