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Isaiah Hugley’s firing: Catch up on Columbus Council’s decision with these 4 stories

Stories by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer journalists, with AI summarization

Columbus City Council voted 7-3 to fire City Manager Isaiah Hugley, citing operational failures and lapses in oversight in departments like Animal Control and Finance, both of which have been the subjects of recent investigations. The formal termination letter highlights concerns over Hugley’s handling of employees under investigation, including his choice not to place them on administrative leave. In Hugley's absence, Mayor Skip Henderson will take on a larger role, while deputy city managers Pam Hodge and Lisa Goodwin continue to oversee city operations.

Hugley’s attorney, Scott Grubman, says the move raises the chance of a racial discrimination lawsuit and has requested a public hearing before council. Meanwhile, a national search for a permanent replacement is underway with assistance from Mercer Group Associates.

City manager Isaiah Hugley listens during the public agenda at the March 25, 2025, Columbus Council meeting. By Darrell Roaden

NO. 1: COLUMBUS COUNCIL FIRES CITY MANAGER ISAIAH HUGLEY. HERE’S HOW THEY VOTED

“There’s more to come,” Hugley said. “You haven’t seen the last of me.” | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

Scott Grubman is the Atlanta-based lawyer representing former Columbus city manager Isaiah Hugley, who was fired by Columbus Council in a 7-3 vote May 27, 2025.

NO. 2: ISAIAH HUGLEY’S LAWYER: FIRING INCREASES CHANCE OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

“I think this is a classic example of unlawful racial discrimination and employment discrimination,” said Scott Grubman, the Atlanta-based lawyer representing fired city manager Isaiah Hugley. | Published May 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson. 03/14/2023 By Mike Haskey

NO. 3: WHO’S RUNNING COLUMBUS AFTER THE COUNCIL FIRED THE CITY MANAGER? MAYOR EXPLAINS

“We are going to turn the page, and we have an obligation to do great work for the citizens of this community,” said Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson. “And that’s what we’re going to do.” | Published May 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

Five Columbus Council seats will be up for election in May 2020. Some newcomers and incumbents have already filed their intent to run.

NO. 4: COLUMBUS COUNCILORS CITE REASONS FOR HUGLEY FIRING. FULL TERMINATION LETTER HERE

Read the full written notice sent to former city manager Isaiah Hugley and signed by the members of Columbus Council who voted to fire him. | Published May 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.