The opportunity for citizens to submit their names for possible nomination for the 2010-11 Grand Jury is now available.

The grand jury acts as an investigative body to ensure that county, special district, and city government is being effectively run. The grand jury is not a jury for a trial. The judges of the Superior Court shall select names from those submitted, as well as other nominees, and currently seated grand jurors who wish to be held over, to be put into the jury pool. Nineteen jurors are then selected in a random drawing from this pool. Jurors serve for a period of one year. Final selection will take place the end of June and you must be present.

The El Dorado County Grand Jury generally meets two or more times per month to conduct its regular business. In addition to the monthly business meeting, members frequently meet in committee meetings to study particular concerns and problems. Each grand jury sets its own meeting schedule.

Jurors are also called upon to confer with government officials and other citizens in order to gain information and insight as to the matters that are under investigation. While being a grand juror is not a full-time job, it does require a substantial time commitment. This time includes attendance at the monthly business meetings and committee meetings, investigating, and preparing written reports.

Meetings are compensated at the maximum rate of $15 per day of meeting, plus a mileage expense is compensated at the rate payable to employees of El Dorado County for each mile actually and necessarily traveled for purposes of said sessions or committee work. No other compensation is provided.

The grand jury is an excellent vehicle for committed men and women to keep government close to and responsible to all of our county;s citizens. Applicants must be Untied States citizens, at least 18 years of age, have resided in the county for at least one year at the time of the swearing-in date, and cannot hold an elected office.

Qualified citizens who have an interest in this type of service may pick up an application form at the Superior Court, 495 Main St., Placerville. The application is also available online at www.edcgov.us/grandjury or call (530) 621.6451 and request an application/questionnaire to be mailed to you.

May 7 is the deadline for submitting your application for grand jury service. Submit to the El Dorado County Superior Court, attn: Holly Warren, Judicial Secretary, 495 Main St., Placerville, CA 95667.