In case the county clerk or county trustee fails or refuses to perform the duty imposed, such clerk or trustee shall become liable on the clerk's or trustee's official bond for the amount of taxes that might have been recovered had the duty been properly performed, together with the penalty of fifteen percent (15%) added to the taxes, the liability and penalty to be recovered in any court of record or before any general sessions court, at the instance of any district attorney general or proper agent of the state, by suit or by motion, on five (5) days' notice.