After the aforesaid public hearing on the proposed improvement and after the council has moved to proceed with the improvement, it may pass an ordinance assessing the various lots, parcels of land, or parts thereof, to be specially benefited with their apportioned share of the cost of the improvement; but the passage of such an assessment ordinance may be delayed until the contract for the work is let, or until the improvement is completed and the total cost thereof is determined. (Ord. 1085 § 7, 1958)