(a) Each landowner who has not signed the petition is a respondent.
(b) (1) The designated officer shall issue a summons to be served on each respondent.
(2) A summons may be served by publication as to any respondent who cannot be served as provided by law.
(c) (1) If a mortgage is held on land in the proposed drainage district, notice of the proceedings shall be given to the holder of the mortgage in the same manner as to a respondent.
(2) A mortgage holder may appear before the county commissioners or county council in person or by counsel.