COST OF CONSERVATORSHIP.

(a) The commissioner shall determine and approve any reasonable expenses attributable to the service of a conservator, including costs incurred by the department and the compensation and expenses of the conservator and any professional employees appointed to represent or assist the conservator. The commissioner or an employee of the department may not receive compensation in addition to salary for serving as conservator, but the department may receive reimbursement for the fully allocated personnel cost associated with the service of the commissioner or the employee as conservator.

(b) All approved expenses shall be paid by the credit union. The department has a lien against the assets and money of the credit union to secure payment of approved expenses. The lien has a higher priority than any other lien against the credit union.

(c) Notwithstanding this subchapter, the credit union may retain attorneys and hire other persons to assist the credit union in contesting or satisfying the requirements of an order of conservatorship. The commissioner shall authorize the payment of reasonable fees and expenses for the attorneys and other persons as expenses of the conservatorship.

(d) The commissioner may waive or defer collection of assessment or examination fees by the department from the credit union during a period of conservatorship if the waiver or deferral would appear to benefit the prospects for rehabilitation. As a condition of release from conservatorship, the commissioner may require the rehabilitated credit union to pay or develop a reasonable plan for payment of any deferred fees.