Every public utility and private interest that desires to dig up a public street or alley for the purpose of laying pipes or wires shall first obtain from the Selectboard, through its appointee, a written permit stating the place where and the time when digging may be done. Upon receipt of a permit, the digging up and replacing of the street or alley shall be done under the supervision of the Selectboard, who may complete the work at the expense of the utility or private interest and recover that expense in an action of tort in the name of the Town, with costs.
24 Appendix V.S.A. § 156-11