(1) If the county board, based on the preliminary study, finds it expedient to have and resolves to have determined and established the normal level of an inland lake, the county board shall direct the prosecuting attorney or other legal counsel of the county to initiate a proceeding by proper petition in the court of that county for determination of the normal level for that inland lake and for establishing a special assessment district if the county board determines by resolution that one is necessary as provided in section 30711.

    (2) If the waters of an inland lake are located in 2 or more counties, the normal level of the lake may be determined in the same manner if the county boards of all counties involved, by resolution, direct the prosecuting attorney or other legal counsel of 1 or more of the counties to institute proceedings. All counties may make a single preliminary study.

    (3) The department may join a proceeding initiated under this section.