(a) The listers shall forthwith post copies of such notice in the town clerk's office and in five or more public places within the town, and shall, at the expense thereof, publish such notice for two weeks successively in one or more newspapers printed or circulating therein, to be selected by the clerk thereof, the last publication to be at least three days prior to the date of such hearing. A certificate signed by such clerk specifying the names and dates of the newspapers wherein such notice was so published and the public places wherein such copies of notice were so posted shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

(b) Nonresident taxpayers shall receive notice by first class mail on which postage has been prepaid and addressed to their last known address. (Amended 1983, No. 85, § 4.)