A written petition for maintenance of a project other than an assessment drain may be made to the board under this section. The petition shall designate the maintenance requested. The petition must be signed by six, or if a majority is less than six, by a majority of the landowners within the area benefited by the project. The petitioners shall supply a surety bond in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars. The bond must be for the payment of costs if the board finds the petition was improvidently made.