53-391. Employment of counsel, accountants, and other experts; compensation.

The Commissioner, for the purpose of exercising any power under the provisions of this Subpart, may (i) employ any liquidating agents, attorneys, accountants, consultants, and clerks necessary to properly conduct the business of or liquidate and distribute the assets of a State trust company; (ii) fix the compensation for the agents, attorneys, accountants, consultants, and clerks; and (iii) pay the compensation of those persons out of the assets of the State trust company. Provided, that all expenditures described in this section shall be approved by the resident or presiding judge in the county in which the action is pending. Payments made by the Commissioner pursuant to this section shall not be subject to the requirements of Article 3 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. As used in this Subpart, the term "Commissioner" includes the Commissioner's duly appointed agents. The Commissioner shall: (i) submit all proposed agreements or contracts for supplies, materials, printing, equipment, and contractual services that exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000) authorized by this section to the Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee for review as provided in G.S. 114-8.3; and (ii) include in all agreements or contracts to be awarded by the Commissioner under this section a standard clause which provides that the State Auditor and internal auditors of the Commissioner may audit the records of the contractor during and after the term of the agreement or contract to verify accounts and data affecting fees and performance. The Commissioner shall not award a cost plus percentage of cost agreement or contract for any purpose.