(1) A business improvement district may be funded in whole or in part by an assessment authorized pursuant to this section. Such assessment shall be in addition to any taxes or assessments that may be imposed on property that is included in the district.

(2) The assessment shall be levied on the property in the district based upon the gross square footage of the property. The district plan shall set the amount that shall be assessed on each square foot of property. A district plan may authorize that the assessment per square foot for buildings may be at a different rate than that for land; provided, however, that the square foot rate for each type of property shall be uniform.

(3) Upon presentation of a district plan by a district created pursuant to Sections 21-43-101 through 21-43-133, the governing authorities of a municipality shall, at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem taxes are levied, levy the assessment provided for in this section on the property in the district in the amount specified in the district plan.

(4) Assessments shall constitute a lien upon the respective lots or parcels of land and other real property upon which they are levied, superior to all other liens except those for state and county taxes.

(5) In addition to the assessment authorized under this section, a business improvement district shall also be authorized and empowered to apply for and receive public and private grants and to accept any monetary contribution or donation of real or personal property.