If after a reasonable period of time, the Administrative Director of the Courts and the recognized employee organization fail to reach agreement, the Administrative Director of the Courts and the recognized employee organization may agree upon the appointment of a mediator mutually agreeable to the parties, or either party may request the board to appoint a mediator. When both parties mutually agree upon a mediator, costs of mediation shall be divided one-half to the Judicial Council and one-half to the recognized employee organization. If the board appoints the mediator, the costs of mediation shall be paid by the board.