City Plans Inauguration on January 5, 2026

The public is invited to the Inauguration for the City Council, Fire Commission, Police Commission, and School Board to be held in the Eileen Dondero Foley Council Chambers at City Hall (One Junkins Avenue) on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 7 pm.

The Inauguration program includes music from the Portsmouth High School instrumental ensemble, conducted by Eric Gagnon, the National Anthem sung by Angelynne Hinson, the posting of colors by the Portsmouth Police and Fire Department Honor Guards, and an invocation by Reverend Dr. Jerrell Riggins of New Hope Baptist Church.

City Clerk Kelli Barnaby will administer the Oath of Offices to City Council members Mayor Deaglan McEachern, Assistant Mayor JoAnna Kelley, Kate Cook, John Tabor, Rich Blalock, Andrew Bagley, Beth Moreau, Michelle Flynn and Annie Hopkins; Fire Commissioners Richard Gamester and Jennifer Mosher-Matthes; Police Commissioners Buzz Scherr and Jay Lieberman; School Board members Lisa Rapaport, Steve Adler, Nancy Novelline-Clayburgh, Brian French, and Jennifer Shump.

To close the inauguration, Reverend Riggins will offer a Benediction. Gather will provide light refreshments in the Portsmouth Room following the ceremony.