If the report is not made and filed within the time fixed in N.J.S. 40A:7-6, the county to which the territory is annexed shall forthwith apply to the Superior Court assignment judge of that county for an order appointing three commissioners to take the place of and perform the work of the committee, who shall perform the work and make their report within 30 days from the date of their appointment, unless otherwise ordered by the judge.

The report of the commissioners, or a majority of them, shall be made in duplicate and filed with the clerk of each of the counties, and shall have the same force and effect, and be as binding as if a report had been made and filed by the committee.

The commissioners shall be paid for their services by the county applying for their appointment and by the county of which the territory formerly was a part.

The judge shall, upon application of the commissioners, and after they have filed their report, fix the amount to be paid to each commissioner, and the part thereof to be paid by each county, and for which respective amounts said counties shall be liable.

L.1979, c. 181, s. 2, eff. Aug. 29, 1979.