§ 4-54. Service by senior judges.

(a)

The office of senior judge of such court is created. Any judge, chief judge, or judge of any such court who retires pursuant to the provisions of applicable laws relating to such retirement shall be a senior judge on the effective date of such retirement.

(b)

Senior judges may be called upon to serve as judges of such court when a regular judge for some reason is unable to serve. Any such senior judge may be subject to designation and assignment, with the senior judge's consent, either as additional or substitute judge. Such senior judge shall have all the power and authority when so designated or assigned as a judge of such court. Such senior judges shall be compensated in addition to retirement pay in the amount paid to judges pro hac vice of such court for such services. In addition to such compensation, such judges shall receive mileage at the same rate as other employees of the city for such services. Said compensation and mileage shall be paid from city funds appropriated or otherwise available for the operation of such court upon a certificate by the judge as to the number of days served and the mileage. Such compensation shall not diminish or otherwise impair the payment or receipt of any retirement or pension benefits of such judge.

(1996 Ga. Laws, page 627, § 18)