40:63-117. Assessment for benefits; commissioners; appointment and powers; vacancies

Immediately upon the completion of the work, or of a definite part thereof, the governing bodies or boards of the municipalities jointly contracting for the public improvement or works shall meet in joint meeting as in this article provided, and shall, by resolution, ascertain and declare the whole amount of the costs, damages and expenses of such public improvement or works, or any part thereof so completed, and of all appurtenances or connections of the same, and of all matters or things connected therewith so far as completed; and of the several amounts thereof to be apportioned to the contracting municipalities respectively, pursuant to the contract and ordinance authorizing the same.

Each of the municipalities jointly contracting as aforesaid shall, without delay, severally apply to the Superior Court for the appointment of three disinterested commissioners to make a just and equitable assessment of the whole amount of the costs, damages and expenses of such improvement apportioned to it as ascertained and declared as hereinbefore provided, upon all the owners of lands and real estate in such municipality fronting on such improvement, which are peculiarly benefited by such public improvement or works, in proportion as nearly as may be to and not in excess of the advantages each shall be deemed to acquire. The application shall be in writing, and after notice of the time and place of making such application, published at least ten days previous thereto in some newspaper published or circulating in the municipality wherein such lands and real estate are situated, and at the time fixed in the notice, or at such time to which the application may be from time to time adjourned, the court shall appoint three disinterested commissioners to make such assessment for benefits as aforesaid, who may summon and examine witnesses and view the premises for the purpose of making such assessments. In case of death, resignation, refusal to serve, or disability of any commissioner so appointed, the vacancy shall be filled by the court as soon as may be.

Amended by L.1953, c. 37, p. 721, s. 227, eff. March 19, 1953.