By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
Applicants for judge of Hamilton Circuit Court have until 5 p.m. Thursday to submit applications to Gov. Eric Holcomb. The Circuit Court position is open due to the July 31 resignation of former Judge Paul Felix who left the bench to accept a position on the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Holcomb’s staff will review the applications and make recommendations to the governor who will make the appointment. Based on past history, it may take several months to complete the process.
In the meantime, former Madison County Circuit Judge Thomas Clem has been appointed to serve as judge pro tem.
The successful applicant for judge will fill Felix’s unexpired term which runs through Dec. 31, 2024, and will be eligible to run for election to a full six-year term.
Circuit judges in Indiana are paid a minimum of $173,500 annually and can receive up to $194,000 depending on years of service, level of judicial education, and cost of living in the community they are serving.