76-15-202. Hearing on petition. (1) Within 30 days after a petition has been filed with the department, it shall cause due notice to be given of a proposed hearing before the department upon the question of the desirability and necessity in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare of the creation of the district; upon the question of the appropriate boundaries to be assigned to the district; upon the propriety of the petition and other proceedings taken under this chapter; and upon all questions relevant to those inquiries.

(2) All qualified electors within the limits of the territory described in the petition and of lands within any territory considered for addition to the described territory and all other interested parties are entitled to attend the hearings and be heard.