(a)
There
is hereby created the office of judge of the municipal court, who
shall have all the powers and authority as granted by state law and
the ordinances of this municipality and shall perform all the duties
as prescribed by the laws of the state and the ordinances of this
municipality.
(b)
The
office of municipal judge shall be filled by appointment by the council.
(c)
Compensation
for the office of municipal judge shall be set from time to time by
the council.
(d)
Prior
to taking office, the judge of the municipal court shall take the
oath of office required by the state constitution and laws of the
state.
(1997 Code, sec. 34.20)
In the event of a vacancy in the office of municipal judge,
the council may appoint any qualified person temporarily or until
the end of the existing term.
(1997 Code, sec. 34.21)
The council shall from time to time appoint such qualified individuals
as may be necessary to serve in the office of the judge of the municipal
court if the presiding judge, or mayor as ex-officio judge of the
court, is unavailable, unable or unwilling to serve, and shall have
the power to set the compensation of the office of acting judge of
the municipal court as may be required. No alternate or temporary
judge shall serve for a term to exceed 30 days without reappointment.
(1997 Code, sec. 34.22)
The judge of the municipal court shall be appointed to serve
a term concurrent with that of the office of mayor and shall assume
the duties of the office as provided under the laws of the state.
(1997 Code, sec. 34.23)
The judge of the municipal court may be removed by a majority
of the council for incompetency, corruption, misconduct or malfeasance
in office, after due notice and an opportunity to be heard in his
or her defense. The judge of the municipal court may also be removed
from office by a council resolution declaring a lack of confidence
in the judge, provided that 2/3 of the council vote in favor of the
resolution.
(1997 Code, sec. 34.24)
The mayor shall serve as ex-officio judge of the municipal court
and shall have and exercise the authority, jurisdiction and power
which are conferred by law upon the judge. In case of the absence,
disqualification or inability of the mayor, for any cause, to act,
then the mayor pro tem shall act as the judge.
(1997 Code, sec. 34.25)
Any person appointed to the office of municipal judge shall
have the qualifications required by law for municipal judges by the
laws of the state, as the same may be amended from time to time.
(1997 Code, sec. 34.26)
