The San Benito County Grand Jury is recruiting citizens to fill up to 19 slots on the community watchdog panel.
The jury’s principal purpose is to protect the public interest, namely the investigation of city and county government, special districts and school districts. These civil investigations result in recommendations for improvements to save taxpayer dollars and to improve services.
The Grand Jury divides into committees, each of which studies complaints submitted by citizens of San Benito County, visits various facilities, investigates records and documents, draws conclusions regarding the operation of local governments and meets with officials.
At the end of its term, which runs July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, the Grand Jury prepares a final report that contains each committee’s recommendation. The county board of supervisors must respond to each of the jury’s recommendations within 90 days.
Potential members of the Grand Jury must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, and have been a resident of San Benito County for at least the year prior to their term.
Anyone interested in serving on the jury must submit an application to the office of the jury commissioner at the San Benito County Courthouse, 440 Fifth St., Room 205 in Hollister. Details: Call Maria at 636-4057, ext. 40 or visit www.sanbenitocountygrandjury.org.
