A. A hearing shall be conducted by and shall be under the control of a hearing officer. The hearing officer may be any member of the Malheur County court, the entire Malheur County court, the Malheur County justice of peace or any other person(s) designated by the county.
B. At the discretion of the hearing officer, the hearing shall be conducted in the following manner:
1. Statement and evidence of the county in support of its action. The county may be represented by legal counsel;
2. Statement and evidence of affected person disputing the county's action; and
3. Rebuttal testimony.
C. The hearing officer, the affected parties and the county or its attorneys shall have the right to question or examine or cross examine any witness.
D. The hearing may be continued with recesses as determined by the hearing officer for good cause shown.
E. The hearing officer may set reasonable time limits for oral presentation and may exclude or limit cumulative, repetitious or immaterial matter.
F. Exhibits shall be marked and the markings shall identify the person offering the exhibits. The exhibits shall be preserved as part of the record of the proceedings.
G. Hearing will be tape recorded, but an official transcript will not be made.
H. Once closed, the hearing will not be reopened for additional evidence. At the request of a party, the hearing may remain open for ten (10) days for the limited purpose of submitting written arguments to the hearing officer. (Ord. 157, 6-14-2006)