(1) When a port constructs or acquires a local improvement which the port is authorized to construct or acquire, the board of that port may levy special assessments against property within the port in proportion to the benefits such property will receive on account of the construction or acquisition of the local improvement. However, before proceeding to construct or acquire a local improvement for which special assessments will be levied, the board shall adopt an ordinance that:

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(a) Describes the local improvement to be constructed or acquired and the part of the work to be undertaken immediately;

(b) Contains a preliminary estimate of the probable cost of the local improvement;

(c) Determines the manner of financing the local improvement. The board may provide that the cost of the construction or acquisition shall be paid in part by assessments against the property directly benefited and in part out of general funds, ad valorem tax levies, the proceeds of the sale of bonds, service charges or any combination of such sources. The determination of the board as to the proportion of cost allocation shall be based on its sound discretion;

(d) Describes one or more assessment districts containing the properties against which the cost of the local improvement will be assessed;

(e) Provides for the method of assessment, the recording of assessment liens on properties that are directly benefited and for the making of supplemental assessments and rebates;

(f) Contains provision for a notice to be mailed to each affected property owner announcing the intention of the board to construct or acquire a local improvement, to create one or more assessment districts and to assess benefited property for a part or all of the cost; and

(g) Provides for a hearing not sooner than 20 days after the mailing of the notices described in paragraph (f) of this subsection at which affected property owners may appear to support or object to the proposed local improvement and assessment. The board shall consider such objections and may adopt, correct, modify or abandon the proposed local improvement or assessments.

(2) Special assessments in the port shall, so far as practicable, be apportioned within the port in accordance with the special and peculiar benefit each lot or parcel of land receives from the construction or acquisition of a local improvement.

(3) Special assessment districts authorized by this section may be established for, and limited to, financing the costs of planning and engineering required for the construction or acquisition of a local improvement.

(4) As used in this section, ‘local improvement’ has the meaning given that term by ORS § 223.001. [1989 c.644 § 2; 1991 c.902 § 117]

777.530 and 777.535 were added to and made a part of ORS Chapter 777 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.