CFR > Title 39 - Postal Service > CHAPTER I—UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE > SUBCHAPTER N—PROCEDURES (parts 912 to 966) > PART 961—RULES OF PRACTICE IN PROCEEDINGS RELATIVE TO EMPLOYEE HEARING PETITIONS UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE DEBT COLLECTION ACT > 961.8—Hearing Official authority and responsibilities.

961.8—Hearing Official authority and responsibilities.

The Hearing Official shall provide a full and fair hearing. The proceedings must be expedited to ensure issuance of the final decision no later than 60 days after the filing of the employee's hearing Petition. The Hearing Official's authority includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) Ruling on all offers, motions or requests by the parties;
(b) Issuing any notices, orders or memoranda to the parties concerning the hearing proceedings;
(c) Using telephone conferences with the parties to expedite the proceedings. A memorandum of a telephone conference will be transmitted to both parties;
(d) Determining if an oral hearing should be held; and setting the place, date and time for the hearing or the taking of testimony by telephone conference;
(e) Administering oaths or affirmations to witnesses, and conducting the hearing in a manner to maintain discipline and decorum while assuring that relevant, reliable and probative evidence is elicited on the issues in dispute, but irrelevant, immaterial or repetitious evidence is excluded;
(f) Establishing the record in the case;
(g) Issuing the final decision orally or in writing no later than sixty (60) days after the filing of the employee's hearing Petition. When an oral decision is rendered, a written confirmation will thereafter be sent to the parties. The decision must include the determination of the amount and validity of the alleged debt and, where applicable, the repayment schedule. It should also include findings and reasons.