What must be done before cash from local improvement assessments can be used?

In the context of using cash from local improvement assessments, it is crucial that these funds be pledged to assessment lien bonds and notes before they can be utilized. This step is important because it ensures that the funds generated from local improvement assessments are appropriately secured and allocated for specific investments or projects tied to those assessments. Pledging the funds allows the municipality to finance public improvements, as it provides a guarantee to bondholders that they will receive repayment from the revenue generated by those assessments.

This practice is part of a broader financial management strategy, allowing local governments to leverage the anticipated income generated from these assessments to secure funding, typically through issuing bonds. This process not only enhances the municipality's financial structure but also supports the completion of necessary public works initiatives that directly benefit the community.