Tenn. Code Ann. § 69-5-108: Preliminary hearing - Procedure and decree

The landowners shall make their appearance and file their objections, if any, on or before twelve o'clock (12:00) noon of the day set for hearing. After the hour fixed for the filing of objections, the court shall proceed to hear and determine the matter of making an assessment to raise a fund for the payment of the preliminary costs and expenses. The court will determine from proof offered, approximately, the amount necessary to cover the cost and expenses, and if the court is of the opinion that it is not expedient to make an assessment for such purposes, the court will so decree; but if the court is of the opinion that it is expedient, the court will make an assessment for the amount determined, upon the respective tracts of land set out in the petition, and make the assessment on the basis of acreage.