(A) Presiding Magistrate.
(1) The Council shall appoint a presiding Magistrate of the Court who shall serve a minimum term of 2 years upon initial appointment. Thereafter, the Council may reappoint the presiding Magistrate for terms of not less than 2 nor more than 4 years. The beginning and end of each term shall be specified at the time of appointment or reappointment. The Council shall remove the presiding Magistrate only for cause, in accordance with the Arizona Constitution and state law.
(2) The presiding Magistrate may appoint associate magistrates, special magistrates and hearing officers as are necessary for the efficient and continuing operation of the Court. Those persons who are appointed shall provide services for the Court in the absence or disability of the presiding Magistrate, and in those cases where the presiding Magistrate is recused from any matter or proceeding. Any associate magistrate or special magistrate shall be a sitting or retired judge, judge pro tempore, or magistrate. Any hearing officer who does not meet the qualifications of an associate or special magistrate shall be approved by the Council prior to appointment.
(3) Associate or special magistrates and hearing officers appointed by the presiding Magistrate shall serve on a case-by-case basis or for specific periods of time as assigned. They may serve on a voluntary basis or are eligible for compensation from the “other professional services” account of the Court, subject to the policies and rates of pay established by the Court.
(2001 Code, § 5-2-1)
(B) Powers and duties of Town Magistrate. The powers and duties of the Magistrate shall include:
(1) The powers and duties set forth and conferred upon him or her under the provisions of the state constitution and statutes, this code and the ordinances and resolutions of the town;
(2) The keeping of a docket in which shall be entered each action and the proceedings of the Court therein;
(3) The responsibility for fixing and receiving all bonds and bails and receiving and accounting for all fines, penalties, fees and other monies as provided by law;
(4) Payment to appropriate town, county or state officials of all fees, fines, penalties and other monies collected by the Court;
(5) Submitting a monthly report to the Council summarizing Court activities for that month and assuring that the town’s Finance Department conducts quarterly reviews of the Court financial records;
(6) Preparation of a schedule of traffic violations not involving the death of a person, listing specific bail for each violation; and
(7) The Magistrate may hire Court clerks as may become necessary subject to budget restrictions and the provisions of the personnel policy manual.
(2001 Code, § 5-2-2)
(Am. Ord. 492, passed - -2002; Am. Ord. 12-759, passed 6-26-2012)