(a) If a report is disapproved, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City shall pay the expenses properly incurred in making the survey and report and in publishing notices.

(b) To reimburse the county for the expenses described in subsection (a) of this section, the county commissioners, county council, or Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City may impose a special assessment in equal amounts on the property of the landowners who signed the petition filed under Subtitle 2 of this title.