Hugley ups ante in dispute with six Columbus councilors, accusing Hickey of unethical actions
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — A heated dispute between Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley and six city councilors has escalated, with both sides trading accusations of ethical misconduct and harassment.
At the center of the controversy is a $29,000 grant awarded to Hugley's wife, State Farm Insurance agent Carolyn Hugley, in 2022 from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The conflict has drawn public attention as lawyers for each side have been trading threatening letters since April 18.
Hugley's attorney, Scott Grubman of Atlanta-based Chastain & Grubman, LLP, defends his client's handling of the grant, asserting that the process was transparent and followed multiple levels of independent review. In a letter dated April 28, addressed to Leslie Hartnett of FordHarrison, the Atlanta law firm representing the six councilors, Grubman argues that the council itself delegated the administration of ARP funds to the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Councilors Charmain Crabb, Glenn Davis, and Toyia Tucker, among others, voted in favor of the resolution.
Because the administration of the funds was farmed out to the Chamber, Grubman questions whether Hugley was even required to notify the council.
Hugley's attorney calls the councilors' accusations 'ambiguous' and accuses them, led by Councilor Byron Hickey, of engaging in a 'pattern of harassment and retaliation' against Hugley.
Grubman alleges that Hickey attempted to influence a pay-raise decision for his wife, Sandra Hickey, a corporal with the Columbus Police Department, by verbally confronting Hugley and the City's Human Resources Director and sending a follow-up email on February 12, 2025.
Grubman claims this behavior violates the same ethics code the councilors accuse Hugley of violating. Hickey was appointed to the council by his fellow councilors last year to fill the unexpired term of the late Pops Barnes. The District 1 seat Hickey holds will not be on the ballot until May 2026.
Hickey declined comment on the latest allegations.
Hugley has repeatedly referred all questions about the ongoing legal dispute to his attorney.
Last week, Grubman said that Hugley's legal threats were serious and the city manager was not bluffing.
The FordHarrison response letter dated April 23, to Hugley's initial letter the councilors categorically denied allegations that the councilors intimidated, defamed, or discriminated against Hugley.
The councilors' lawyer argues that Hugley, as a public figure, is attempting to deflect scrutiny from the council's oversight role by publicizing his attorney's letter through media outlets. Last week, Hartnett said she does not comment on 'on going legal matters.'
Hugley, who has announced his impending retirement, seeks to clear his name and serve out his term without further conflict. Grubman's latest letter warns the councilors to cease alleged defamation, harassment, and retaliation, reserving Hugley's legal rights. He also requests that the councilors preserve all relevant documents and communications, including those related to Hickey's alleged attempt to influence his wife's pay raise appeal.
This fight comes as the city council is preparing to enter budget season. Traditionally, the city's fiscal budget, which begins on July 1, is finalized in a series of May meetings. Mayor Skip Henderson said he does not expect the conflict between Hugley and the council to impact the city's governance.
This legal fight also comes amid speculation that Hugley could run for mayor in 2026. Henderson is term-limited and the office will be vacant for the first time in eight years. Henderson recently addressed his discussions with WRBL about a potential mayoral bid by Hugley.
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