At the time and place designated in said order, the judge of said circuit court shall proceed to hear and determine all questions of law and of fact in said case, and he shall make such orders as to the proceedings in said case and adjournments as will best conserve the interests of all parties and enable him to enter a judgment with the least possible delay. The judgment shall find the facts specially and shall state separately the judge’s conclusions of law thereon. Any taxpayer or citizen of the unit may appear in such proceedings either personally or by attorney.