Columbia Judge of Municipal Court ordinance (Charter § 115)

The municipal court shall be presided over by a municipal judge to be selected by the council, a majority vote of all members being required for selection. The judge shall have been a resident of the City of Columbia for at least two (2) years, and a duly licensed attorney for the State of Missouri for at least three (3) years prior to selection. The municipal judge shall be selected for a term of four (4) years and shall serve until a successor is selected and qualified. The judge may be removed from office for cause. If removal is contemplated, the judge shall be suspended by a resolution which shall set forth the reasons for suspension and proposed removal. A copy of such resolution shall be served immediately upon the municipal judge. The municipal judge shall have fifteen (15) days in which to reply thereto in writing, and, upon the judge's request, a public hearing shall occur not earlier than ten (10) days nor later than fifteen (15) days after such hearing is requested, and after full consideration, the council, by majority vote of its members, may adopt a final resolution of removal. In case of the judge's absence or inability to serve, the council may by resolution select a qualified attorney to act during such absence or disability and may provide reasonable compensation for such service. The municipal court shall be held in such place as the council by resolution may direct.

(4-7-75; Ord. No. 15113, § 1, 1-16-97)