The Ephrata City Council and community members used the administration reports and public-comment period to recognize the outgoing mayor, Bruce, for more than two decades of public service.

A letter read into the record from Tom Gaines, Grant County Administrator, praised the mayor’s collaborative leadership and the strong partnership between Grant County and the city of Ephrata. "Throughout my tenure, the city has been an exceptional partner... Your leadership has held a super collaborative spirit that has truly benefited our shared community," the letter said (read by a city speaker).

Council members and residents offered personal tributes. Speakers highlighted administrative reorganization that reduced outside engineering costs, staff continuity, police accreditation, and a series of projects—waterlines, street improvements and a new loop water main—described during remarks as roughly $30 million in leveraged improvements that advanced city infrastructure.

Curtis Atkinson (who identified himself as the husband of the Grant County Health District administrator) summarized the spirit of public service and thanked the mayor for pursuing decisions that aimed to deliver the most good for the most people. The meeting included presentation of a small gift and concluding words of thanks; the mayor and council closed the meeting and adjourned.