When the report of the committee finds that such highway or alteration will be of common convenience and necessity and such report has been accepted, it shall be recorded, and such road shall be a public highway; and judgment shall be rendered for the payment of the damages and benefits respectively assessed by or to the defendant town, to be paid at such time as the court directs, and that the town pay the costs. In all other cases the costs shall be paid by the petitioners, but witness fees shall not be taxed against either party.