(a) Many panel arbitrators have full-time occupations in legal, engineering, consultation and other fields and professions and a few are full-time professional arbitrators. Panel arbitrators when selected by the parties receive a fee for their services, paid for by the parties. The fee is established by the arbitrator on a per diem or on a case basis. The parties make payment directly to the arbitrator and not through the State Mediation Board. There are no charges by the board to the parties for the use of the services of the board.

(b) In cases where the board (or its designated representative) assigns a case to a staff mediator to arbitrate the dispute, this decision is entirely up to the board. There is no charge to the parties for this service. However, priority is given to mediation activities.