At the date set for hearing any landowner may appear in person or by counsel and file his objection in writing to the report of the viewers. The clerk of the court shall carefully review the report of the viewers and the objections filed thereto and make such changes as are necessary to render substantial and equal justice to all the landowners in the district. If, in the opinion of the clerk, the cost of construction together with the amount of damages assessed is not greater than the benefits that will accrue to the land affected the clerk shall confirm the report of the viewers. If, however, the clerk finds that the cost of construction together with the damages assessed is greater than the resulting benefits that will accrue to the lands affected, the clerk shall dismiss the proceedings at the cost of the petitioners and the sureties upon the bond so filed by them shall be liable as aforesaid.