In the event the county commission determines that the number of complaints made to any county board of equalization is sufficiently numerous to justify such action, the county board of equalization may appoint one or more hearing officers to conduct preliminary hearings and to make investigations regarding complaints before the board.  Hearing officers must be approved by the county commission. The hearing officers assist the county board and prepare proposed findings of fact and conclusions for recommendation to the county board. The county board may adopt any recommendation of a hearing officer as its final decision, however, any property owner who desires to be heard directly by the county board must be given the opportunity to be heard by the board.¹