(a) The council or a council committee authorized by the council to hold hearings may hold public or executive hearings to make investigations and surveys.
(b) The hearing shall be held at a time and place in the state determined by the council.
(c) The council may:
(1) inspect and copy any book, record, file, or other instrument or document of a department, institution, county, or political subdivision of the state that is pertinent to a matter under investigation by the council; and
(2) examine and audit the books of a person, firm, or corporation having dealings with a department or institution under investigation by the council.
(d) Any member of the council or of the committee may administer oaths to witnesses appearing at the hearing.