Before the adoption of a resolution ordering a hearing on the advisability of any improvement, as provided in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 19-27,184, the governing body may secure a feasibility report to assist in the determination of whether an improvement should be made as proposed or otherwise, or in combination with other improvements authorized by this act, together with a preliminary estimate of the cost of the improvement or combination of improvements. The report may be prepared by qualified officers of the county or by consultants. The governing body also may take such other preliminary steps prior to the hearing or before ordering any improvement or letting any contract, including among other things, the preparation of plans and specifications, estimates of costs of the improvement and the advertisement for bids thereon which the governing body determines to be of assistance in determining the feasibility and desirability of the improvement.