Columbus Mayor Has the Right to Pause the Search for City Manager

Citing the need for a comprehensive review of government salaries, Mayor Skip Henderson has halted the ongoing search for a new city manager for an estimated three to six months. The decision follows months of candidate recruitment and interviews that did not result in a nominee the mayor felt confident bringing before the Columbus Council for confirmation.

Under the Columbus Charter, the mayor holds the authority to nominate key City Officers — including the city manager — who must then receive an up-or-down vote by the council. City Officers, as defined by Sec. 4-300, include the city manager, city attorney, chiefs of police and fire/EMS, and the warden of Muscogee County Prison. These positions are accountable directly to the mayor unless otherwise stated by law.

Henderson said the city must reassess its compensation structure for top-level leadership roles to remain competitive with peer municipalities.

“We need a comprehensive look at salaries throughout the government,” Henderson said, noting that a more competitive compensation package may widen the field of qualified applicants when the search resumes.

The city engaged The Mercer Group, an executive recruitment firm, to lead the search. Five finalists were interviewed in October 2025, but Henderson declined to advance any of them to nomination, surprising several council members who anticipated an announcement in November.

This marks the first full-scale search for a city manager since the 1990s, a process that has included public engagement and increased transparency.

Deputy city managers Pam Hodge and Lisa Goodwin continue to jointly oversee city operations during the pause. Both have been widely credited with maintaining stability following the retirement and subsequent termination of former city manager Isaiah Hugley.

Some council members expressed frustration over the unexpected delay, particularly as the city manager appointment requires council approval and was expected this fall. But the pause raises broader questions about urgency and timing.

Three current council members — Byron Hickey, John Anker, and JoAnne Cogle — definitely will not be returning to their seats after the 2026 election cycle. And one, Charmaine Crabb potentially could be defeated. Community observers question why the outgoing members appear eager to seat a new city manager despite the strong interim leadership already in place and the fact they will no longer be on Council.

The mayor has stated he expects to restart the search in five to six months, with the goal of having a new city manager appointed after next year’s budget process.

With the city manager role temporarily on hold and deputy managers at the helm, Columbus enters 2026 in a period of administrative transition. The pause may reshape not only the applicant pool but also the political dynamics surrounding one of the city’s most influential appointments.

Whether the delay ultimately strengthens the city’s long-term leadership or fuels further debate at council remains to be seen, but for now, the city’s top administrative seat will remain vacant until at least mid-2026.