(1) The hearing shall be conducted before the decision-making authority of the agency or a hearing officer designated in accordance with Model Rule 14.

(2) At the discretion of the presiding officer, the hearing may be conducted in the following order:

(a) statement and evidence of agency in support of its action;

(b) statement and evidence of affected parties supporting agency action;

(c) statement and evidence of affected parties disputing agency action; and

(d) rebuttal testimony.

(3) The hearing may be continued with recesses as determined by the presiding officer.   2-4-611, MCA.

(4) The hearing shall proceed in compliance with 2-4-612(1) , (4) and (5) , MCA.

(5) The presiding officer must ensure that all parties are afforded the opportunity to respond and present evidence and argument on all issues involved.   2-4-612(1) , MCA.

(6) Exhibits shall be marked and the markings shall identify the person offering the exhibits.  The exhibits shall be preserved by the agency as part of the record of the proceedings.