Section 41. Whenever it appears to the director that a city, town or district has failed to meet the minimum standards and methods of municipal and district accounting prescribed under section 38, or to provide the information required under section 43 or other statute, the director shall notify the city, town or district of the actions necessary to ensure compliance or to provide the required information. The notice shall contain a statement that failure to comply may result in the director taking action to ensure compliance, including contracting for any services necessary or appropriate to do so. If such city or town fails, within a reasonable time, to comply with the requirements of the director, and continues to fail to comply, the director may contract on behalf of the city or town for any professional or technical services necessary to meet the standards or obtain the necessary information. The costs of the services shall be incurred by the commonwealth, and payment shall be deducted by the state treasurer, pursuant to section 20A of chapter 58, from any amount distributable or payable by the commonwealth to such city or town.