Kathy Rusing was sworn in as mayor of Prescott on Nov. 18, 2025, marking the start of a new city council term. Patrick Grady administered the oath before the council and assembled family, friends and supporters in the council chamber.

The ceremony included recognitions for outgoing members and brief remarks from the new mayor. "I promise that as your mayor, I will do everything that I can to put your best interest first above all else," Rusing said after taking the oath. She thanked residents, friends and family for their support and said she is humbled to serve.

City Manager Dylan Kimball presented plaques honoring the prior council and highlighted recent accomplishments during the outgoing council's tenure, including the city strategic plan, workforce housing initiatives and work on airport and water matters. "This council has been one that has been willing to take on tough issues," Kimball said as he recognized departing members.

Newly elected council members Mary Frederickson, Jim Gehring and Jay Ruby each took the oath of office during the meeting. Frederickson's oath was administered by her husband; Gehring and Ruby were sworn in by council colleagues and community members. Ruby told the council he looks forward to helping "Prescott emerge and evolve in this 21st century."

After the swearing-in, Mayor Rusing moved to establish leadership for the new council. Lois Freeworth was nominated and confirmed as mayor pro tem to serve through November 2026. The council also approved two subcommittees with terms ending Nov. 30, 2027: the council subcommittee on water issues (Freeworth, Jim Gehring and Mayor Rusing as chair) and the subcommittee on appointments (Freeworth, Mary Frederickson and Mayor Rusing).

The meeting closed with a reminder that the new council will continue to use archival livestreams for public access while exploring additional public-engagement options such as town halls.

The newly constituted council adopted its 2026 calendar later in the meeting and adjourned.