A township consolidated as provided in section 16b and 16c succeeds to the real and personal property, money, rights, credits, and records, files, books, and papers belonging to each affected township as it formerly existed. A right or liability of a former township that exists, or a suit or prosecution of a former township that commenced before and continues, at the time the consolidation is effective is not in any manner affected by the consolidation, but continues, stands, or progresses as if the consolidation had not taken place. A tax or assessment levied and uncollected at the time the consolidation is effective stands until discharged or collected as if the consolidation had not taken place.