The judges of the circuit court for the county are hereby authorized to appoint two (2) court reports, who shall be sworn officers of such court. The salary of such reporters shall be fixed by order of the judges of such court within the limits of amounts appropriated therefor, and shall be paid by the county. (Mont. Co. Code 1965, § 7-17; 1910, ch. 380, § 1; 1912, ch. 790, § 104; 1943, ch. 116, § 140.)