Whenever the petition provided for in subsection (b) of Code Section 36-39-3 is presented or when the governing body has determined to improve any street and has passed the resolution provided for in subsection (a) of Code Section 36-39-3, the governing body shall have the power to enact all such ordinances and to establish all such rules and regulations as may be necessary to require the owners of all the property abutting on the improvement and of any railway in the street to pay the cost of such improvement and to cause to be put in and constructed all water, gas, or sewer pipe connections to connect with any existing water, gas, or sewer pipes in and underneath the streets where such improvement is to be made. All cost and expense of making water, gas, or sewer pipe connections shall be taxed solely against the property abutting on the improvement; but such cost and expense shall be included and made a part of the general assessment to cover the cost of the improvement.