The twenty-sixth judicial circuit consists of the counties of Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, and Presque Isle and has 2 judges. Beginning April 1, 2003, the twenty-sixth judicial circuit consists of the counties of Alpena and Montmorency. This circuit shall have 1 judge beginning on the earlier of the following dates:

  (a) The date on which a vacancy occurs in the office of circuit judge for this judicial circuit.

  (b) Twelve noon, January 1, 2005.