Section 240. Refusal to repair

If the town board of either of such towns,
  after notice in writing from the town board of any other of such  towns,
  given by the town clerk thereof, shall not within twenty days give their
  consent  in  writing  to  build or repair any such bridge, and shall not
  within a reasonable time thereafter direct, by resolution, the  same  to
  be  done,  the  town  board  giving  such  notice  may  direct  the town
  superintendent to make or repair  such  bridge,  and  then  maintain  an
  action  in  the  name  of  the  town, against the town which neglects or
  refuses to join in such making or repairing, and  in  such  action,  the
  plaintiffs  shall  be entitled to recover so much from the defendant, as
  the town would be liable to contribute to the same, together with  costs
  and interest.