39-34-103. Powers and duties of arbitrator for firefighters and public employers. (1) The arbitrator shall establish dates and a place for hearings and may subpoena witnesses and require the submission of evidence necessary to resolve the impasse.

(2) Prior to making a determination on any issue relating to the impasse, the arbitrator may refer the issues back to the parties for further negotiation.

(3) At the conclusion of the hearings, the arbitrator shall require the parties to submit their respective final position on matters in dispute.

(4) The arbitrator shall make a just and reasonable determination of which final position on matters in dispute will be adopted within 30 days of the commencement of the arbitration proceedings. The arbitrator shall notify the board of personnel appeals and the parties, in writing, of the determination.

(5) In arriving at a determination, the arbitrator shall consider any relevant circumstances, including:

(a) comparison of hours, wages, and conditions of employment of the employees involved with employees performing similar services and with other services generally;

(b) the interests and welfare of the public and the financial ability of the public employer to pay;

(c) appropriate cost-of-living indices;

(d) any other factors traditionally considered in the determination of hours, wages, and conditions of employment.

(6) The determination of the arbitrator is final and binding and is not subject to the approval of any governing body.