7-3-1342. City court. (1) A city court is established in and for each municipality, with the jurisdiction, powers, and duties within the municipality provided by general law for city courts in cities and towns and for justices of the peace.

(2) The commission shall by ordinance determine the number of judges required for operation of the city court. City court judges are to be elected every 4 years in a nonpartisan election held in conjunction with the regularly scheduled general election. The term of office for city judge is 4 years.

(3) The qualifications to hold the office of city judge shall be set by ordinance by the commission. The ordinance shall be consistent with any rules adopted by the Montana supreme court on city judge qualifications.

(4) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of city judge, the commission shall appoint a qualified individual to serve for the remainder of the term. The compensation of the city judge or judges shall be fixed by the commission.