7-14-4204. Appeal from determination of damages. (1) Within 20 days after the filing of the report with the clerk, either party feeling dissatisfied with such appraisement may file in the office of the clerk of the district court within the county in which such city or town is located a copy of such report, certified by the clerk of such city or town, and file with said clerk and serve on the opposite party a notice of appeal from such report.

(2) Upon the filing of the report and the notice of appeal, the clerk of the district court must cause such proceedings to be entered on the register of actions, designating such city or town as plaintiff and the owner of the building as defendant. The question of the amount of damages may be tried by a jury or the court.

(3) The report of the appraisers is the complaint, all the material facts of which in reference to damages are considered denied, and these constitute the issues to be tried.