The governing authorities are hereby authorized and empowered to levy, collect and make any annual special tax or assessment against the benefitted property in the designated area. However, no assessment, not to exceed five (5) mills, made under the provisions of this article shall be made against the benefitted property until notice of the proposed action is furnished to the owners of the property on which said assessment is to be made, in the same manner as provided in Section 21-41-5, Mississippi Code of 1972. At the meeting called for the hearing of any objections that may be made by said property owners, any property owner aggrieved may appear in person, by attorney, or by petition on any objection to the proposal or any part thereof. The board shall consider the objections, if any, and may confirm, modify or rescind the resolution of necessity and shall determine whether said proposal shall be implemented and how the cost thereof shall be paid. The determination of the board shall be final and conclusive at the expiration of the protest period hereinafter provided, subject only to an appeal to a court of appropriate jurisdiction within thirty (30) days after said order becomes final. If property owners owning more than one-third (⅓) of the front footage of the property in the designated area shall file a protest, then the provisions of this article shall not be utilized. Any protest made, as provided herein, shall be in writing, signed by the property owner or his legal representative and filed with the city clerk within forty-five (45) days of the adjournment of said meeting. The special tax levy herein provided shall not affect or apply to any property in the designated area that is used as residential property and qualifies as a homestead under the provisions of the Homestead Exemption Law being Sections 27-33-3 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972.