The San Benito County Grand Jury, which submits an investigative
report on government operations every year, is seeking members to
serve on the 19-member board.
The San Benito County Grand Jury, which submits an investigative report on government operations every year, is seeking members to serve on the 19-member board.
The Grand Jury meets twice a month and its report is usually completed and submitted to the county Board of Supervisors in June or July. This year’s document is currently under review, according to court Secretary Kam Tanimasa.
The members are selected through a screening process, and a few spots are still open for the 2003-04 fiscal year, according to Grand Jury Foreperson Roxy Montana.
“The Grand Jury is the watchdog of the community,” Montana said. “We’re seeing that taxpayers are getting the bang for their buck.”
Applicants must be citizens of the United States, at least 18 years old, residents of the county for at least one year and have a working knowledge of the English language, among other conditions. Members serve one year and a maximum of two consecutive years.
The Grand Jury is also divided into committees that analyze an array of subjects and citizens complaints. The committees are broken down into law and justice, health education and welfare, city and county and special projects.
The 2002-03 Grand Jury report, for instance, pointed out several needs for the county Sheriff’s Department that included larger offices, an updated computer system and an addition to the county jail.
Montana expressed confidence that the Grand Jury report influences local leaders’ decisions.
“Yes I do, I really do,” she said. “There are a lot of budget issues, of course. But there are oftentimes solutions that can be found without the budget.”
The first meeting, an orientation, will occur Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. at Montana’s home at 7350 Pacheco Pass in Hollister
Montana said residents interested in being on the Grand Jury should attend. She said she is striving to attract a diversity of people, including an array of ages and races.
For more information, call 524-2834.
