KRS 31A.010: Master commissioners.

(1) A master commissioner may be appointed for each county within a judicial circuit.

(a) In single-judge circuits the appointment shall be made by the Circuit Judge.

(b) In judicial circuits with more than one (1) judge the master commissioner

shall be chosen by a majority of the judges and in the event of a tie the Chief

Circuit Judge shall choose from those receiving the tie vote.

(2) The master commissioner shall be governed by such rules not inconsistent with the

statutes of the Commonwealth as may be set by the Supreme Court.

(3) The master commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the court as follows:

(a) In a single-judge circuit the master commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of

the Circuit Judge, but in no case shall his term exceed four (4) yea rs without

reappointment. The term of the commissioner shall automatically terminate

following the death, resignation, or permanent replacement of the Circuit

Judge who appointed him.

(b) In a judicial circuit with more than one (1) judge the master commis sioner

shall serve at the pleasure of the judges of the circuit, but in no case shall his

term exceed four (4) years without reappointment. The master commissioner

may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the judges of the circuit and

in the event of a tie the decision shall be made by the Chief Circuit Judge.

(4) Each commissioner shall annually provide to the Administrative Office of the

Courts a complete accounting for all amounts received and distributed and for all

fees collected. The master co mmissioner shall be compensated by fees as provided

by rule of the Supreme Court. Fees collected in excess of the authorized

compensation and expenses of the master commissioner shall be remitted with the

report to the Administrative Office of the Courts t o inure to a trust and agency

account which shall not lapse and which shall be used to hire additional deputy

clerks or office personnel, to increase deputy clerk or office personnel salaries, or a

combination thereof. The Circuit Court may allow the commi ssioner a reasonable

fee for performing judicial type functions in actions where the master commissioner

does not execute a judicial sale.

(5) The master commissioner shall maintain his office at such locations and during

such hours as authorized by rule of the Supreme Court.

(6) The master commissioner shall perform such functions, including those of a

receiver, as may be directed by an appropriate order of court.

(7) The master commissioner may have such deputies and assistants, as authorized by

rule of the Supreme Court, as are necessary to perform the functions of his office.

(8) The Supreme Court may make such rules, regulations, and accounting procedures as

it may deem necessary for the appointment, conduct, and other matters relating to

the master commissioner or receiver.