Staff recommends Council adopt a resolution setting the salary for the offices of municipal court judge.

Montana Code requires City Council to set the salary for municipal court judge by ordinance or resolution. (See MCA 3-6-203.) Resolution 23-11097 currently sets the salary for municipal court judge at 90% of the salary of a District Court Judge as determined by the State of Montana. Any increase in a Municipal Court Judge’s salary that results from an increase in the State of Montana’s compensation to District Court Judges will be effective on July 1 of every odd numbered year pursuant to Sec. 3-5-211, MCA.

During the fiscal year 2025 budget process, Council Member Aspenlieder brought forward a budget amendment to transfer $40,000 from the City Attorney budget (intergovernmental transfers) to the Municipal Court Budget to increase Municipal Court Judge salaries to match those of District Court Judges. The Municipal Court Judge in Billings should be compensated to attract quality candidates willing to serve in this position.The city council approved the budget amendment on June 10, 2024.

Municipal court judges

City Council may:

• Approve; or,
• Not Approve

Based on FY 25 proposed budget this would transfer $40,000 from the City Attorney budget (intergovernmental transfers) to the Municipal Court Budget to increase Municipal Court Judge salaries.