11-41-105. Selection of mediators; duties; compensation; immunity.

(a) The board shall select mediators and shall establish training standards for mediators which shall include training in mediation processes and conflict resolution.

(b) Mediators shall:

(i) Listen to the parties desiring to be heard;

(ii) Endeavor to create a climate conducive to the resolution of differences between the parties;

(iii) Inform the parties as to the existence of available assistance programs;

(iv) Repealed by Laws 1988, ch. 48, § 2.

(v) Assist the parties in attempting to arrive at an agreement;

(vi) Assist in the preparation of a written agreement.

(c) Mediators shall be compensated in an amount approved by the board. The parties in the mediation process shall share the costs of the mediation equally. The board may establish a fee schedule to recover, to the extent possible, the board's administrative costs from the parties upon the execution of a mediation agreement.

(d) Mediators, and University of Wyoming financial analysts and extension personnel to the extent they participate in mediations under this chapter, are immune from civil liability for any good faith act or omission within the scope of the performance of their powers and duties under this chapter.

(e) After receiving a mediation request involving an agricultural debt, the board may refer the borrower to the University of Wyoming college of agriculture through the extension service or other financial analysts skilled in assisting with farm debt matters. The financial analyst shall assist the borrower in the preparation of information relative to the finances of the borrower for the initial mediation meeting.

(f) Mediators may not compel a settlement.