Sec. 1. (a) In all counties of this state containing a voting population of over seven thousand (7,000), as shown by the vote cast for secretary of state at the last preceding election, the judge of the circuit court of each of said counties, when he shall find:

(1) that the probate business of his court requires it;

(2) that the interests of heirs under the age of eighteen (18) years and other beneficiaries of estates, guardianships, receiverships, and other trusts pending in said court will be protected and subserved thereby; and

(3) that the same is demanded for the proper protection of such interests;

shall cause such finding to be entered of record, and thereupon shall appoint some competent person as probate commissioner of such court.

     (b) In such finding and order of appointment, on proof first heard in open court, the judge shall fix and specify the annual salary of such commissioner and the time of payment thereof and shall thereupon cause to be certified to the auditor of such county a copy of such finding and order, which shall be sufficient authority for said auditor to draw his warrant for the payment thereof at the times and in the amounts in said record set forth.

Formerly: Acts 1891, c.137, s.1; Acts 1897, c.164, s.1; Acts 1911, c.269, s.1; Acts 1973, P.L.287, SEC.12. As amended by P.L.285-1987, SEC.1.