ARTICLE 2
      
      CLERKS OF SUPERIOR COURTS
       15-6-90. Longevity increases; operational expenses; local laws.
       
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       The amounts provided in subsection (a) of Code Section 15-6-88 and Code Sections 15-6-89 and 15-10-105, as increased by subsection (b) of Code Section 15-6-88, shall be increased by multiplying said amounts by the percentage which equals 5 percent times the number of completed four-year terms of office served by any clerk after December 31, 1976, effective the first day of January following the completion of each such period of service.
      
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       The minimum salaries provided for in Code Sections 15-6-88 and 15-6-89, this Code section, and Code Section 15-6-91 shall be considered as salary only. Expenses for deputy clerks, equipment, supplies, copying equipment, and other necessary and reasonable expenses for the operation of a clerk's office shall come from funds other than the funds specified as salary in such Code sections.
      
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       This Code section shall not be construed to affect any local legislation, except where such local legislation provides for a salary lower than the salary provided in Code Sections 15-6-88 and 15-6-89, this Code section, and Code Section 15-6-91, in which event such Code sections shall prevail.
      
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       Code Sections 15-6-88 and 15-6-89, this Code section, and Code Section 15-6-91 shall not be construed to reduce the salary of any clerk of superior court presently in office.
      
      (Ga. L. 1973, p. 256, § 3; Ga. L. 1977, p. 547, § 2; Ga. L. 1978, p. 937, § 1; Ga. L. 1989, p. 801, § 1; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1478, § 2; Ga. L. 1993, p. 91, § 15; Ga. L. 1994, p. 97, § 15; Ga. L. 1994, p. 620, § 2; Ga. L. 2012, p. 173, § 2-4/HB 665.)
     
        OPINIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
       
         "Figured at the end of each such period of service" construed.
        
        - Phrase "figured at the end of each such period of service" means only that the 5 percent increase becomes available at the end of the term. It does not mean that the increase is permanently fixed at a set dollar amount based upon the salary provided at the end of the term. 1981 Op. Att'y Gen. No. U81-19.
       
 
         Increase effective at beginning of new term.
        
        - All clerks who have completed four-year terms of office are entitled to 5 percent longevity increases in the clerk's pay at the time the clerks commence the clerks' new terms. 1981 Op. Att'y Gen. No. U81-19.
       
 
         Recipients of salaries under section not entitled to longevity salary increases.
        
       - Those superior court clerks who receive salaries in accordance with the minimum annual salaries specified by Ga. L. 1973, p. 256,
   §§
   1 through 5 (see now O.C.G.A.
   §
  15-6-88 et seq.) are no longer entitled to longevity salary increases and the clerks' right to longevity salary increases formerly authorized has terminated. 1977 Op. Att'y Gen. No. U77-21 (decided prior to 1978 amendment to this section).
       
 
 
        RESEARCH REFERENCES
       
         Am. Jur. 2d.
        
        - 15A Am. Jur. 2d, Clerks of Court,
   §
   12.