SECOND ORDER REINSTATING SPECIAL MASTER

KENNETH J. GONZALES, District Judge.

The Court reinstates Tim Smith as Special Master until February 1, 2020.1 The Court makes this reinstatement or reappointment pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 53 and the inherent authority of the Court. See Sibley v. Spirit Nextel Corp., 298 F.R.D. 683, 685 n. 3 (D. Kan. 2014) ("Beyond the provisions of [Fed. R. Civ. P. 53] for appointing and making references to Masters, a Federal District Court has the inherent power to supply itself with this instrument for the administration of justice when deemed by it essential.") (internal quotation marks omitted) (citing Schwimmer v. United States, 232 F.2d 855, 865 (8th Cir. 1956)).

The Court finds it appropriate to reinstate the Special Master so that he will continue to serve as an unbiased and objective advisor, who will aid the Court in its determination of issues of law and fact.

As the Court stated in its Order of Reference (Doc. 97) at 2, the Special Master will be accountable only to the Court and will not be supervised by Plaintiff or Defendant. The Special Master is independent from Plaintiff and Defendant.

No later than thirty (30) days from the date of entry of this Second Order Reinstating Special Master, the Special Master shall submit a proposed budget for the term of this appointment, including any expenses necessary to effectively carry out his duties. The Special Master may consider for his proposed budget the costs including, but not limited to, those associated with employing necessary consultants and technical, administrative, clerical, and support staff, and costs associated with necessary equipment, travel, and operating expenses. The parties will have seven (7) days from the receipt of the proposed budget to file any objections to the proposed budget. Once the Court has reviewed the proposed budget and any objections, the Court will decide whether to approve the proposed budget.

The Special Master shall keep a record of his fees and expenses, which will be made available for inspection upon the request of the Court or the parties. The Special Master will submit monthly statements to the Court for its approval. Upon the Court's approval of the statements as reasonable, the parties will have thirty (30) days to pay their respective equal portion of the bill. The Court will communicate its approval to the parties via email. Confidential portions of the record of fees and expenses will reflect general statements of the action or item charged. The parties will bear the costs equally.

At any time during the Special Master's tenure, either party may file a motion with the Court concerning the conduct or replacement of the Special Master.

IT IS SO ORDERED.