The viewers provided for in the foregoing sections may be appointed before, or at any time after, the entry upon, taking and appropriating of such property. They shall have power to administer oaths or affirmations to all parties and witnesses.
The costs of the viewers and all court costs incurred in the proceedings aforesaid shall be defrayed by said city, and each of the said viewers shall be entitled to a sum not exceeding five dollars per day for every day necessarily employed in performance of the duties herein prescribed.
53 P.S. § 2585