Sec. 8. The department of local government finance shall give notice of the hearing required by section 7 of this chapter to:
(1) the county auditor; and
(2) the first ten (10) taxpayers whose names appear on the petition.
The notice must be given by letter signed by the commissioner or deputy commissioner of the department of local government finance and sent by mail with prepaid postage to the auditor and the taxpayers at their usual place of residence at least five (5) days before the date fixed for the hearing.