§ 60. Sprinkling; removal of filth and refuse. Upon petition signed by a majority of the taxpayers owning property abutting upon an improved state highway and filed with the town clerk, the town board may set aside any section of such highway outside of a village and contract for the sprinkling of the roadbed with water and also contract for the removal of filth and refuse therefrom. No such contract shall be entered into unless previously approved by the county superintendent. The amount of any such contract so entered into shall be assessed upon the property abutting upon such section in the proportion which the frontage of each parcel thereof bears to the length of the section exclusive of intersecting highways. Such assessment shall be made, levied and collected in the same general manner, and at the same time and by the same officers as the town taxes of said town are assessed, levied and collected.