San Luis council accepts Access to Justice grants to upgrade court internet and detention-center video conferencing

San Luis City Council approved two orders authorizing the San Luis Municipal Court to receive Access to Justice grant funding through agreements with the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office. Julissa Alejandra Peru, court administrator, told the council the court "needs to upgrade its Internet network from a 5 MB to a 30 MB to meet the demands of a growing population and increasing case filings." She said the current network's overcapacity caused frequent disruptions to virtual hearings, filings and other systems.

Peru also presented a second grant request for a replacement video-conferencing unit at the Yuma County Detention Center, saying the current unit "is at the end of its life and must be replaced to comply with a statewide, technology upgrade." Peru said the unit is shared with Somerton Municipal Court and that the new unit would benefit both courts and protect constitutional rights by maintaining reliable remote appearances.

Council members asked procedural questions, including why agreements under $5,000 were before the council; staff clarified that acceptance of grant agreements changes budget lines and requires council approval. The council voted to adopt both orders; each motion carried by voice vote with the mayor announcing the motions "carry."

Staff emphasized the operational nature of the upgrades — improved internet bandwidth and a replacement video unit — and framed both approvals as grant- funded, time-sensitive actions to maintain court operations and access to remote hearings.