In San Mateo County, official reporters shall be appointed by the judges of the consolidated superior and municipal courts pursuant to the provisions of Section 70043 or 72194 and shall serve at the pleasure of the judges.

(a) The biweekly salary of each regular official reporter for the performance of duties required of each such reporter by law shall be at the rates specified in salary range number 3007 of the salary schedule set forth in Section 73525.

At the time each reporter is hired, the salary of that reporter shall be fixed in the same manner as provided for classified or unclassified employees of the county under the authority of the county charter. A step advancement from step A to step B may be granted on the first day of the pay period following the completion of 26 full weeks of service in the position. A person may advance to steps C, D, and E upon completion of successive 52-week periods of service. All merit increases as provided herein shall be made at the determination of the judges of the court.

In addition to new employees, the salaries herein provided for shall be applicable to regular official reporters employed by the county on the effective date of this section and for the purpose of determining the salaries to be paid after this section becomes effective, all years of service rendered by reporters to the county prior to the effective date of this section shall be counted in determining the salary to which they are entitled under the salary schedule above mentioned.

The per diem compensation for pro tempore reporters shall be one-tenth of step E in the appropriate biweekly salary range established for official reporters, provided, however, that that rate of per diem compensation shall be prorated on the basis of one-half day of compensation if the pro tempore reporter renders only one-half day of service.

Vacation allowances and sick leave allowances for official reporters shall be the same as provided for classified or unclassified employees of the county under the authority of the county charter.

(b) If the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County provides by ordinance or by agreement pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 4 of Title 1, for a rate of compensation which is higher than that provided by subdivision (a), the higher rate of compensation shall be effective at the same time and in the same manner as other rates of pay for San Mateo County employees generally. Those higher rates shall be payable by the county in the same manner and from the same funds as other salary demands against the county. Any change in compensation made pursuant to this subdivision shall be on an interim basis and shall expire on January 1 after the adjournment of the next regular session of the Legislature unless ratified or superseded by a statute enacted at the session.

(c) During the hours which the court is open for the transaction of judicial business, official reporters shall devote full time to the performance of the duties required of them by law and shall not engage in or solicit to engage in any other employment in their professional capacity.

Each official reporter shall perform the duties required of him or her by law. In addition, he or she shall render stenographic or clerical assistance, or both, to the judge or judges of the consolidated superior and municipal courts as the judge or judges may direct.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 973, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1999.)