On leaving office, the county engineer shall deliver to his successor all books, papers, and other property and effects belonging to such office. In case of the failure of such engineer to do so, an action may be brought by his successor for the delivery of such property and effects, and for a forfeiture of five hundred dollars.

If the successor to such engineer recovers in such action, he shall have judgment for the articles so withheld, or for their value, and for any sum not more than five hundred dollars that the jury or the court assesses as a forfeiture.