If any pest is found to exist upon any property which is subject to the control of any irrigation, drainage, flood control, reclamation, or levee district, or other political subdivision of the state, the notice of abatement shall be served upon the chairman of the governing body of the district or political subdivision. If the chairman is absent from the county, or for any reason cannot be served, the notice shall be served upon some other member of the governing body. If the eradication, control, or destruction of the pests upon the property is performed by the commissioner, the cost of the eradication, control, or destruction is a legal charge and shall be paid from the general maintenance or operating fund, as the case may be, of the district or political subdivision.