See how much money Columbus is paying fired city manager Isaiah Hugley
When Columbus Council voted last week to fire then-city manager Isaiah Hugley, Councilor Charmaine Crabb (District 5) indicated that he would continue to be paid his salary and benefits through the end of 2025.
The payments will continue because of Hugley’s employment contract with the city, Crabb said during the May 27 council meeting.
The city will pay Hugley $137,756.58 — $127,967.10 for his salary and $9,789.48 for benefits — between May 28 and Dec. 31, according to data provided to the Ledger-Enquirer by the city attorney’s office.
Hugley being paid through the year because of his employment contract is important for people to note, Scott Grubman, attorney for Hugley, told the Ledger-Enquirer.
“To the extent that anyone thinks that the city council is doing him a favor, being nice or something like that by offering him this, they are not,” Grubman said. “They are legally required to do so.”
City Attorney Clifton Fay and Human Resources Director Reather Hollowell did not respond before publication to the Ledger-Enquirer’s questions about Hugley’s employment contract.
“Council does not comment on personnel matters and, particularly now that Mr. Hugley has publicly threatened legal action against the city, we cannot comment,” Crabb said in a text message.
Grubman sent a letter to the city attorney and others demanding Hugley be reinstated by June 6 or he would proceed with filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
City operations will continue with deputy city managers Pam Hodge and Lisa Goodwin working with Mayor Skip Henderson, who will be playing a larger day-to-day role, as the city searches for Hugley’s replacement.
This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 3:54 PM.
