(a) The funds remaining at the end of a fiscal period which are in excess of the expenses necessary for committee operations during such period may be carried over, with the approval of the Secretary, into following periods as a reserve. Such reserve shall be established at an amount not to exceed approximately one fiscal period's budgeted expenses. Funds in such reserve shall be available for use by the committee for expenses authorized under § 945.40.

(b) Funds in excess of those placed in the operating reserve shall be credited proportionately against a handler's operations of the following fiscal period, except that if the handler demands payment, such proportionate refund shall be paid to such handler.

(c) Upon termination of this part, any funds not required to defray the necessary expenses of liquidation shall be disposed of in such manner as the Secretary may determine to be appropriate. To the extent practical, such funds shall be returned pro rata to the persons from whom such funds were collected.