Ind. R. Small. Claims. Ct. 14
In any circuit court exercising small claims jurisdiction, the circuit judge may appoint a referee to assist the court in performing the "county court functions." Such referee shall be an attorney admitted to practice in Indiana and shall serve at the pleasure of the circuit judge. The referee shall have such authority as the circuit judge shall assign by order. The referee shall be a finder of fact--the decision rendered will be that of the circuit judge.
Such referee shall be paid reasonable compensation, including a mileage allowance to be determined by the appointing circuit court judge. In recommending to the Supreme Court of Indiana appropriate compensation, the appointing circuit court judge shall consider the estimated caseload, the amount of work time needed to fulfill the assigned duties, and any other relevant factors relating to the referee's duties. Compensation shall be reasonably commensurate with the workload assigned. The amount authorized by the Supreme Court to be paid shall be paid by the state.
Ind. R. Small. Claims. Ct. 14