There shall be established and maintained a court, designated
as a Municipal Court 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 City Council. The Judge shall be an attorney in good standing,
licensed to practice 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. Removal of the Judge shall be
at the discretion of the Council, by vote of the majority of the entire
Council.
There shall be a Clerk of said court appointed by the City Manager.
The Clerk of said court and such deputies as said Clerk may appoint,
shall have the power to administer oaths and affidavits, make certificates,
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 require the Court Clerk, before entering
upon the duties of the office, to execute a good and sufficient surety
company bond, in such amount as the Council may demand, payable to
the City and conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties
of the office. The premium of such bond is to be paid by the City.
The Council may appoint an alternate Judge who shall have the
same qualifications of Municipal Judge 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, the 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 City treasury, unless otherwise
required by State law.
