In the event a claim is made, the treasurer of the city or town shall determine all such claims and shall send a written notice of his determination to the claimant immediately following such determination. At any time within 20 days after such notice, the claimant may apply for a hearing and redermination of his claim. After an appropriate hearing before the treasurer of the city or town or his designee, the treasurer shall make a final determination.

A claimant adversely affected by a decision may appeal within 20 days to the district, municipal or superior court of the county in which the city or town is located and shall have a trial de novo. An appeal must be perfected by the claimant within 20 days after receiving notice of an adverse determination from the treasurer of the city or town. A party adversely affected by a decree or oder of the district, municipal or superior court may thereafter appeal to the appeals court or the supreme judicial court within 20 days from the date of the decree.