In case the proceedings are begun against the town in which the highway is situated only, the selectmen thereof shall cause true copies of all statements, petitions, writs and other papers served upon them or their town to be given to, or left at the usual place of abode of, one of the selectmen and the clerk of each of the other towns liable to contribute as aforesaid, within 10 days after such service; and such other towns may appear and be heard in all the proceedings as if they were parties to the record, and the record may be amended so as to include them.