Rural Opportunity Advisory Committee

(1) There is created within the office the Rural Opportunity Advisory Committee. (2) The advisory committee shall be composed of seven members appointed by the executive director, at least five of whom shall reside in a rural county. (3) The advisory committee shall advise and make recommendations to the office regarding the awarding of grants and loans under the Rural Opportunity Program. (4) (a) Subject to Subsection (4)(b), each member of the advisory committee shall be appointed for a four-year term unless a member is appointed to complete an unexpired term. (b) The executive director may adjust the length of term at the time of appointment or reappointment so that approximately half of the advisory committee is appointed every two years. (5) The advisory committee shall annually elect a chair from among the advisory committee's members. (6) A majority of the advisory committee constitutes a quorum for the purpose of conducting advisory committee business and the action of a majority of a quorum constitutes the action of the advisory committee. (7) The office shall provide staff support for the advisory committee. (8) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with: (a) Section 63A-3-106; (b) Section 63A-3-107; and (c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.