The property of an authority used for low-income housing, authority administration, or other property solely owned by the authority and used to conduct the powers granted to the authority in this chapter, including an authority created under Indian laws recognized by the federal government, is declared to be public property used for essential public and governmental purposes and is exempt from all taxes and special assessments of the state or any political subdivision. In lieu of taxes or special assessments, an authority may agree to make payments to the state or any political subdivision for improvements, services, and facilities furnished by the state or political subdivision for the benefits of a housing project. The payments may not exceed the estimated cost of the improvements, services, or facilities to be so furnished. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the property of an authority used for moderate income housing is exempt from all taxes of the state or any political subdivision except special assessments unless specifically exempted from the special assessment by the political subdivision.