A Yavapai County judge has denied an emergency temporary restraining order in one of two lawsuits targeting a Prescott City Council vote—but the legal battle is far from over.
The court denied relief in the first case, filed by Sherrie Hanna, who claims the council violated open meeting and conflict-of-interest laws in a May appointment vote.
During Wednesday’s hearing in the first case, Judge Michael McGill questioned the legal standing of Hanna’s claims, asking, “What was the harm to Ms. Hanna?” He also noted there didn’t appear to be any indication that council members discussed the matter outside of executive session and suggested that naming individual council members may have been improper.
The second case focuses on a later council vote authorizing the use of taxpayer funds to defend council members in that lawsuit. Hanna claims those members had a substantial personal interest and should have recused themselves under state law. The defense—represented by Justin Pierce—argues the council acted within its legislative authority and the claims are barred by legislative immunity. A motion to dismiss that case is still pending. No further hearings have been scheduled.