A. Municipal Judge. There shall be a Municipal Court vested with jurisdiction of all causes arising under the Charter or ordinances of the Town and as may be conferred by law. The Municipal Court shall be presided over and its functions exercised by a Judge appointed or reappointed by the Council for a specified term of not less than two (2) years. Any vacancy in the office of Municipal Judge shall be filled by appointment by the Town Council for the remainder of the unexpired term. In the event that more than one (1) Municipal Judge is appointed, the Town Council shall designate a Presiding Municipal Judge, who shall serve in this capacity during his or her appointed term.

B. Deputy Judges. The Council may appoint one (1) or more Deputy Municipal Judges to serve for two (2) year terms. The Deputy Municipal Judges shall all have the powers of the Municipal Judge when called upon to act by the Municipal Judge or the Council.

C. Qualifications. The Municipal Judge and all Deputy Municipal Judges shall be attorneys admitted to practice in Colorado.

D. Compensation. The Municipal Judge shall receive a fixed salary or compensation set by the Council, the amount of which shall not be dependent upon the outcome or number of matters to be decided by the Municipal Judge. The Deputy Municipal Judges may receive such compensation for services rendered as the Council may determine.

E. Procedures. The Municipal Court shall at all times practicable be a Court of Record. Jury trials in the Municipal Court shall be by a jury of no less than three (3) persons. The Court may punish contempt of Court by fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) or by imprisonment not exceeding five (5) days, or both.

F. Removal. Any Municipal Judge may be removed during the appointed term of office only for cause. A Judge may be removed for cause by the Council only if any of the following conditions are found to exist: (1) The Judge is found guilty of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude; (2) The Judge has a disability which interferes with the performance of appointed duties, and which is, or is likely to become, of a permanent character; (3) The Judge has willfully or persistently failed to perform appointed duties; or (4) The Judge is habitually intemperate.

The Judge may request a hearing before the Town Council concerning his or her dismissal. At the conclusion of such hearing, the Council shall make final determination to dismiss or reinstate the Judge. (Amended 11/4/08)