(2) The state fair director may employ such subordinate council employees as the director deems reasonable for the carrying out of fairground business operations and the operation of fairground properties and facilities, including but not limited to the conducting of the Oregon State Fair and the operation of fairground properties and facilities as an exposition center.

(3) The council shall determine and approve policies and procedures to further the mission and purposes of the council and shall provide oversight and guidance to the state fair director and employees of the council.

(4) The members of the council, the state fair director and the employees of the council are not state employees and are not eligible for participation in state employee health benefit plans, state employee deferred compensation plans or the Public Employees Retirement System. The council shall determine the compensation and benefit package for the state fair director and other employees of the council. For purposes of any laws applicable to the council as a public corporation, including but not limited to ORS 30.260 to 30.300, the members of the council, the state fair director and the employees of the council are officers and employees of a public body.

(5) The council and a state agency may enter into agreements for the state agency to provide support services to the council. Except as provided in this subsection, if a state agency provides support services to the council, the state agency must provide the support services at the rate that the state agency would charge to other state agencies for the services. The State Parks and Recreation Department may provide support services to the council at any rate mutually agreed to by the department and the council.

(6) The council may retain private legal counsel or, notwithstanding ORS 180.060, may contract for representation by the Attorney General. If the council contracts for representation by the Attorney General, the Attorney General shall charge the council for services at the rate charged state agencies for similar services. [2013 c.492 §5]