Personnel

Sec. 12. (a) The senior judge of each division may appoint the number of bailiffs, court reporters, probation officers, and other personnel as the senior judge believes is necessary to judicially and efficiently facilitate and transact the business of the division. All appointments shall be made without regard to the political affiliation of the appointees. The salaries of the court personnel shall be fixed and paid as provided by law. The officers and persons appointed shall: (1) perform the duties prescribed by the senior judge of each respective division; and (2) serve at the pleasure of the senior judge. (b) The court shall appoint an administrative officer who has the duties the court determines are necessary to ensure the efficient operation of the court. The court may appoint the number of deputy administrative officers as the court considers necessary to facilitate and transact the business of the court. Any appointment of an administrative officer or deputy administrative officer shall be made without regard to the political affiliation of the appointees. The salaries of the administrative officer and any deputy administrative officer shall be fixed by the court, to be paid out of the county treasury by the county auditor, upon the order of the court, and entered of record. Any administrative officer or deputy administrative officer appointed by the court shall: (1) operate under the jurisdiction of the chief judge; and (2) serve at the pleasure of the chief judge. (c) The court may appoint part-time juvenile referees and magistrates as provided by IC 31-31-3. (d) The court may appoint the number of probate commissioners provided for by IC 29-2-2. The probate commissioners shall be vested with the powers and duties provided by IC 29.