In all counties of this state, having a population of not less than thirty thousand (30,000) nor more than one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000), according to the last preceding United States census, it shall be the duty of the probate commissioner of the circuit court in any county, duly appointed as by law provided, to hear evidence upon and report his finding to the judge of the circuit court of his county, upon all matters, probate, civil and otherwise, which may be referred to such probate commissioner by such judge of the circuit court, and he shall receive no fees or compensation other than his salary, which salary shall be fixed by the judge of said circuit court, after proof heard, during any term of such court, and in such sum as, in the judgment of the judge of such circuit court, may deem proper, the same to be payable out of the treasury of such county.
IC 29-2-4-1