(1) A township proceeding under section 20a shall file a complaint for declaration of the road as a public highway in the circuit court of the county in which the road is located. The complaint shall contain or have annexed thereto (a) a copy of the petition from abutting property owners, (b) a description of the length and boundaries of the road, and (c) the names of persons having claims to the road as a private road, including any public utility having facilities located on the road.

    (2) Before proceeding under section 20a the township board may require a deposit from the petitioners of an amount estimated by the township board to be sufficient to pay the cost of all legal proceedings.