There shall be established and maintained a court, designated as a Municipal Court of the Town of Northlake for the trial of misdemeanor offenses, with all such powers and duties as are now, or may hereafter be prescribed by the laws of the State of Texas relative to Municipal Courts.
The “Judge of the Municipal Court,” shall be appointed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the full membership of the Council. The Judge shall be a resident of this State, a citizen of the United States, and a competent, duly qualified attorney licensed in the State of Texas. The Council shall fix the compensation for the Judge and such compensation shall never be based on fines assessed or collected. The Judge of the Municipal Court shall be appointed to a term of two (2) years and may be appointed to additional consecutive terms upon completion of the term of office. The appointment or removal of the Judge shall be at the sole discretion of the Council, by majority vote of the full membership of Council. The Judge may request a public hearing prior to his or her removal. The Judge may receive compensation as may be determined by the Council.
The Court Administrator and any Deputy Clerk shall have the power to administer oaths and affidavits, make certificates, keep minutes of the proceeding of the court, affix the seal of said court thereto, and generally do and perform any and all acts usual and necessary as performed by clerks and deputies of courts.
The Council shall be empowered to appoint one or more alternate Judge(s) who shall have the same qualifications as the Judge of the Municipal Court and who shall receive such salary as may be fixed by the Council. In case of the temporary disability or absence of the Judge of the Municipal Court, an alternate Judge shall have authority to act as Judge of said court. The Council shall by appointment fill a vacancy in the office of the Judge for the remainder of the unexpired term.
All monies received as court-imposed fines or penalties shall be paid into the general fund of the Town treasury, unless otherwise required by State law.