Missouri Revised Statutes Title XV. Lands, Levees, Drainage, Sewers and Public Water Supply § 244.090. Disagreement on manner of construction--petition circuit court

1. The owner or owners of the land benefitted shall have the right, without obtaining permission of the circuit court, to construct the ditch or levee or lay the tile or to arrange to have such constructed or laid, but the damages resulting, if any, from the construction of the same shall be paid in cash to the owner or owners of the land taken or damaged, or the sum awarded for such items shall be placed in the possession of the circuit clerk for the use of such persons, before such construction shall be begun.

2. In case the owners of the land benefitted are unable to agree among themselves as to the manner of constructing the ditch or levee or laying the tile or letting the contract for the same, the circuit court shall have the power, upon being petitioned by a majority of persons interested, after due notice has been given to other interested parties, to let the work of construction out to the lowest or best bidder, and after such costs have been determined, the circuit clerk, upon order of the circuit court, shall apportion the total cost to each tract or parcel of land according to ownership in proportion the benefits derived as ascertained and determined by the court, and such cost shall become a lien upon such land and remain the same until paid.

3. Such lien shall be enforced by suit brought on bills properly made out and certified to by the circuit clerk, such suit to be brought in the name of the state at the relation of the interested party or parties in any court of competent jurisdiction. All sums collected by such suit shall include the court cost incurred in bringing and conducting such suit and a reasonable attorney's fee to be fixed by the court hearing said cause.