Veteran Columbus councilor Judy W. Thomas resigns; colleagues praise her service

Councilor Judy W. Thomas submitted a written resignation to the Columbus City Council effective March 11, 2025, saying medical conditions prevent her from continuing to serve. The resignation was read into the record at the start of the public-comment portion of the March 11 meeting.

In her written statement, Thomas said she had served under Mayor Jim Wetherington and had been elected to four terms on the consolidated Columbus council. She said she planned to remain engaged in civic life but felt she could no longer fulfill the responsibilities of the office. The letter closed by asking colleagues to recruit a qualified replacement and pledging to pray for the council and the city.

Council members responded with personal remarks and public tributes. Mayor Pro Tem and a string of colleagues recounted Thomas27s role in establishing the city auditor office, supporting crime-prevention programs, helping reorganize the recorder27s court and other civic initiatives. Several councilors described Thomas as a mentor, an effective budget and process manager and an advocate for public-safety programs. Members of the public and several community organizations also acknowledged Thomas27s local leadership during the meeting.

Ending: Councilors said they will follow procedures to fill the vacancy; the clerk27s office will post notice of the seat and next steps.