Within thirty days of the appointment of the special commissioner, a hearing shall be held in open court on the allegations of the complaint. The proceedings shall be recorded by a court reporter or court recorder. The accused is entitled to be present and be heard in person or through the accused’s attorney. The commissioner has the same powers as are conferred upon district judges to take testimony and may rule on, admit, or exclude testimony accordingly. Within ten days of the conclusion of the hearing, the commissioner shall forward to the governor a report of the proceedings, including a summary of testimony, findings as to whether any allegations were proven by a preponderance of the evidence, exhibits and evidence received, and a recommendation whether the accused should be removed from office. The governor may request a transcript be prepared if review of testimony is necessary for a final determination on removal.