Columbus Council fires city manager Isaiah Hugley. Here’s how they voted
The Columbus Council voted 7-3 to fire city manager Isaiah Hugley late Tuesday night after details from the investigation into the finance department arose in a Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office administrative report.
Councilor Charmaine Crabb of District 5, who faced backlash for her comments about Hugley and other local Black leaders in an interview with investigators, introduced the motion after the council returned from a closed session during Tuesday night’s meeting, stating that the termination would be effective immediately.
“The pattern of sustained dysfunction and operational breakdowns within the departments Mr. Hugley oversees, including the criminal charges stemming from the investigations of the finance department and animal control, have led to the loss of confidence in his leadership,” Crabb said as she read the motion. “We need to restore stability in city operations.”
In accordance with his employment agreement with the city, Hugley will receive his regular salary plus benefits to be paid through his retirement date on Dec. 31.
Councilors Crabb, Byron Hickey of District 1, Glenn Davis of District 2, Toyia Tucker of District 4, Joanne Cogle of District 7, Walker Garrett of District 8 and John Anker of citywide District 9 voted to terminate Hugley. Councilors Travis Chambers of citywide District 10, Gary Allen of District 6 and Bruce Huff of District 3 voted against the motion.
Six of the seven councilors who voted for Hugley’s termination received a cease-and-desist from Hugley’s lawyer in April over Hickey questioning whether Hugley violated the city’s code of ethics.
Hickeyhas said Hugley violated ethics rules because he did not disclose to the council that his wife was receiving a small business grant his office was required to approve. However, Hugley passed the application on to his deputy city manager on the advice of city attorney Clifton Fay, after disclosing the application to the mayor and Fay.
After the vote to fire Hugley, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson thanked Hugley for his “unselfish service” to the community.
Huff and Allen also thanked Hugley for his years of service under several mayors.
“I appreciate all you’ve done for Columbus and enjoyed working with you,” Allen said. “I hate to see it end this way, but I appreciate you.”
Hugley was the first Black city manager and longest-serving city manager in Columbus history, having worked for the city for over 40 years.
He thanked his team for their accomplishments and stated that they have “transformed” the city over the years.
More statements about the decision will be made at a later time, Hugley said.
“I would say thank you, for now,” he said. “You know, there’s more to come. You haven’t seen the last of me, and so we’re coming. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Hugley has not ruled out running for mayor, telling the Ledger-Enquirer on May 20 that he was focused on finishing out the year as city manager and that he “doesn’t know” what he plans to do after retiring.
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 9:51 AM.
