7-3-4462. Office of city judge. (1) In each municipality having a commission-manager form of government, a city judge must be elected every 4 years in a nonpartisan election held in conjunction with the general municipal election. The city judge shall hold office for a term of 4 years.

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

(3) If a vacancy occurs in the office of city judge, the commission shall appoint a qualified individual to serve for the remainder of the term.