The city governing body may appoint and fix the compensation of one or more judges of the municipal criminal court of record, as may be required, and designate one as a presiding judge. Each judge shall possess the qualifications now required by law to be possessed by associate judges of the district court. The city governing body may appoint or otherwise provide for appointment of a clerk of the municipal criminal court of record and one or more deputy clerks and fix their compensation. The judge shall serve for a term of two (2) years, expiring on a date fixed by ordinance, and until his successor is appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the vote of a majority of all members of the governing body for such cause as is provided by law for the removal of public officers. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term.