Now even jury members will feel the court system funding squeeze, following an announcement that daily pay has been cut from $20 to $10.

“We value our jurors and their time,” Mower County court administrator Patty Ball said. “It is unfortunate that we had to reduce the jury pay, because it is a very important function. But with the state trial courts being underfunded, we have had to cut in all areas here in the Third District.”

The decision applies statewide as the Minnesota Judicial Branch addresses a $19 million shortfall for the current fiscal year. In recent months, officials have cut a number of statewide services, including closing court counters for a half-day each week, eliminating or retaining open positions, delaying conciliation court calendars and cutting funds to drug courts and victim services.

“We have cut all expenses that we can,” Ball said. “We have cut staff and now this cut. It is unfortunate, but just one part of a bigger problem.”

In addition to $10 per diem pay, jurors will be reimbursed for mileage and day care expenses. Ball said community members have little recourse in terms of avoiding jury duty. Only people with medical conditions or 70 years or older may legally evade it once called.