Title
Authorization for the Phoenix Municipal Court to Accept Grant Funds from the National Center for State Courts (Ordinance S-49899)
Description
Request to authorize the Phoenix Municipal Court to accept up to $13,000 in grant funds from the National Center for State Courts. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) is awarding grants to state and local courts that were selected to participate in the Hybrid Hearings Improvement Initiative Pilot Program over the last year. The Phoenix Municipal Court was selected for this program and, as a result of this participation, the NCSC has provided some guidance on technical and operational solutions that may improve the hybrid hearing experience. Recommendations include, for example, the utilization of microphones with increased range and ability to pick up sound. The NCSC will award up to $13,000 in grant funds to reimburse the Court's costs to upgrade courtrooms with recommended equipment.
Financial Impact
The Court will need to purchase the technical equipment using general funds but will be reimbursed up to $13,000 by the NCSC.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The City Council authorized the Court’s application, acceptance and agreement to participate in the Hybrid Hearings Improvement Initiative Pilot Program from the NCSC on October 12, 2022. (Ordinance S-49077)
Department
Responsible Department
The item is submitted by Chief Presiding Judge B. Don Taylor and the Phoenix Municipal Court.