The City Council approved two orders authorizing the San Luis Municipal Court to accept Access to Justice grants from the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts to upgrade court internet and to replace a video-conferencing unit at the Yuma County Detention Center.

Court Administrator Julissa Alejandra Peru told the council the municipal court needs to upgrade its internet from 5 megabits to 30 megabits to address overcapacity that causes frequent disruptions to virtual hearings, filings and other systems. Peru said the municipal court uses the state’s network for core operations and relies on the city Wi-Fi to allow prosecutors, defense counsel and defendants to submit documents and evidence.

Peru also presented a second grant to replace the end-of-life video conferencing unit at the Yuma County Detention Center; she said the Somerton and San Luis municipal courts share the platform and the replacement is necessary to comply with a statewide technology upgrade and to protect due process.

Council members asked why the agreements were before the council when amounts were below certain procurement thresholds; staff explained the items are grant agreements with the Administrative Office of the Courts and acceptance and budget changes must be approved by the governing body. Motions to adopt orders 2025-O8 and 2025-O9 carried by voice vote with no recorded nays.