Proceedings in the circuit court upon the petition shall be in the nature of a proceeding in rem and shall be conducted as an action not triable by right to a jury and any judgment or final order of the circuit court shall be subject to appeal in the same manner as other cases in equity. The court may appoint masters or referees as it considers desirable and shall have complete jurisdiction to approve, disapprove, amend or change the plan proposed or to adopt any amendments, changes or other plans proposed by any interested party which the court finds to be equitable and reasonable to protect the rights of any party, or may direct that the district shall continue in existence and operation without dissolution or reorganization. The judgment may include provisions for sale, transfer or conveyance of all or part of the assets of the district to corporations, other districts, municipal corporations or governmental bodies or agencies then in existence, or to be organized in accordance with the terms of the judgment, which will continue to furnish some or all of the services furnished by the district. As a condition of such sale, transfer or conveyance the court may require such transferee or transferees to assume part or all of the indebtedness of the district. The court may determine the validity of any sales or assessments, the amount of any assessments due upon the various parcels and lots of real estate within the district, the amounts of any assessments theretofore paid upon such parcels and lots and may determine and adjust the liabilities of all parties. The court may adjudicate any water rights of the district and the lands therein and may direct the sale of any assets of the district, either in one lot or in parcels, at public or private sale, as the court finds best. The judgment shall make provision for the payment of all indebtedness of the district. [1973 c.415 § 9; 1979 c.284 § 172]