The fence viewers to whom an application is made under section 47-26-11 shall proceed to view the premises described in the application forthwith. If such supervisors shall determine that the river, brook, pond, or creek is not, of itself, a sufficient fence and that it is impracticable, without unreasonable expense, to build a fence in the waters upon the true boundary line, they, after giving notice to the parties, shall determine whether the fence shall be erected and maintained on one side, or partially on one side and partially on the other side, of the river, brook, pond, or creek, and shall reduce to writing and sign their determination. If either party refuses to erect or maintain that part of the fence assigned to that party in the determination, the other party may erect and maintain the same and may recover the expense and costs in connection therewith ascertained in the manner provided in section 47-26-08.