(a) The appraisers provided for in this section and §§ 18-15-1001 — 18-15-1009 shall be entitled to receive as compensation for viewing and appraising the land and property and making award of the damage therefor the sum of five dollars ($5.00) per day for each day in which the appraisers are actually engaged in this service. The sum shall be paid by the levee or drainage districts, as the case may be.
(b)
(1) In the event that there are exceptions filed to the award of any board or appraisers, the fees for conducting a trial of the cause shall be the same as are prescribed in ordinary proceedings in the common law court.
(2) The fees shall be paid by the levee or drainage district in all cases in which the judgment of the circuit court is in excess of the award made by the appraisers. The landowners shall pay the cost accruing when the judgment of the circuit court does not exceed the amount awarded by the appraisers.