§ 14. Municipal court generally.

(a)

The municipal court of the city has the jurisdiction conferred upon it by law and this Charter.

(b)

The judge of the court must be a qualified voter of this state (other than failure to register), is appointed by the mayor subject to confirmation by the city council, holds office for four (4) years, unless sooner removed by the city council, and receives compensation prescribed by the city council.

(c)

There shall be a clerk of said court appointed by the city manager who shall be responsible for the performance of all the non-judicial administrative and business duties of the court. The clerk and any deputies authorized by council and appointed by the city manager shall have the power to administer oaths and affidavits, make certificates, affix the seal of said court thereto, provide clerical and administrative support to the municipal judge, perform all non-judicial functions of the court, and perform any and all other acts, usual and necessary to be performed by the clerks of said courts, and conducting the business thereof. The clerk shall collect all costs, fees, special expenses and fines imposed by the municipal court and pay the same into the city treasury for the use and benefit of the city, except as required by state law.

(d)

The clerk has the power to administer oaths, make certificates, issue process, affix the seal of said court thereto and generally perform the duties for the court that a county clerk performs for a county court.

(e)

If the judge is disqualified from hearing a case, the mayor may appoint a special judge for that case. The special judge must have the same qualifications for office as the judge. The appointment of a special judge requires no formality other than an appointment in writing signed by the mayor and designating the case in which the special judge sits; the appointment need not be confirmed by the city council.