If the board of directors of any irrigation district neglects or refuses to cause an assessment and levy to be made as provided in this chapter, the assessment of property made for the preceding year shall be adopted and shall be the basis of assessment for the district. The county commissioners of the county in which the district was originally organized shall cause an assessment roll of the district to be prepared and shall make the levy for the payment of the principal and interest on bonds, to meet all payments due or to become due the ensuing year to the United States under any contract between the district and the United States, and to meet the expenses for organizing and operating the district, in the same manner and with like effect as if the levy had been made by the board of directors. The expense incident to making the levy shall be borne by the district.
SDCL 46A-7-14