R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-10-13: Viewing and division of fence — Award of cost.

The fence viewer, on an application, shall cite the parties in interest on the dividing line, at a convenient time, to view the fence; shall ascertain the value of the whole, and award the one-half (½) of the sum against the proprietor or possessor so refusing, with costs, and divide the whole fence between the parties, and make report into the office of the town clerk, which division shall be permanent; and if any person against whom report shall be made as aforesaid shall refuse to pay the sum so reported, the sum, with costs, shall be recovered by the party aggrieved, against that person, by action of debt.