1. In order to participate in a proposed merger the board of a drainage or levee district must determine that the merger will substantially benefit the owners of land situated in the drainage or levee district.
2. A board making the determination described in subsection 1 shall enter an order to conduct a public hearing regarding a proposed merger as provided in section 468.265. The board shall enter the order with the auditor of each county where the drainage or levee district is situated.