NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. – With more members (ideally a full 19 members and several alternates), the Nevada County Civil Grand Jury can better serve county residents. More investigations = more potential impact on the effectiveness and transparency in the way our tax funds are spent.
The Jury is still seeking volunteers to fill several openings. If accepted, you will serve for one year as a citizen investigator to examine and report on the workings of local governments as well as complaints from the community.
This year’s jury started with 16 enthusiastic members in July. Then three members had to drop out for this year; family and health issues often create attrition in our Nevada County juries; it is standard practice to add jurors during the year. With a quorum of 12 required by law to vote on any jury investigations and reports, thirteen is a scary number. Not only does it limit the investigative resources of the jury, but it can also potentially delay or halt meaningful progress.
So take a look at your plans for the next ten months and consider applying to serve with this jury for the rest of the term. The Jury recruits and accepts applications year-round.
Members of the local California Civil Grand Jury Association will be at the Briar Patch on Monday, August 31, from 10-2 to answer any questions you—or others you may know— might have. Please stop by. You are also invited to call 530-266-1730 for more information.
The Jury provides a small stipend, paid mileage, and training. Go to www.nevada.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury to get more information, read the Jury’s reports, and apply! Research shows community engagement and service are healthy for us and the wider world!