§ 13-8. Appointment of judges pro tempore and court hearing officers.

(a)

The presiding city judge shall create a special judicial officer selection committee pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Order.

(b)

Pro tempore judges and court hearing officers shall be appointed by the presiding city judge upon recommendation of the special judicial officer selection committee pursuant to administrative procedures consistent with Supreme Court administrative orders and policies.

(c)

Members and terms are at the discretion of the presiding city judge.

(d)

Judges pro tempore. The presiding city judge may appoint qualified persons, who have been recommended by the special judicial officer selection committee, to serve as judges pro tempore. Judges pro tempore shall have all the powers of a city judge, shall be compensated on a contractual or hourly basis, and shall not be eligible for any employee benefits unless required by an entity other than the city. The appointment of a judge pro tempore shall be for a term of two (2) years and may be renewed for additional two (2) years terms at the discretion of the presiding city judge.

(e)

Court hearing officers. The presiding city judge may appoint qualified persons, who have been recommended by the special judicial officer selection committee, to serve as court hearing officers. Court hearing officers shall have powers only in cases involving City Code infractions under Article II of this chapter and civil traffic matters arising under state law. Court hearing officers shall not have authority to adjudicate criminal matters arising under state law or City Code or City Charter.

(Ord. No. 1647, § 1, 6-26-90; Ord. No. 1817, § 2, 9-27-94; Ord No. 2242, § 1, 2-12-02; Ord. No. 2416, § 1, 12-14-04; Ord. No. 2687, § 1, 6-23-09)