Columbus City Council approved more than $900,000 in settlements Monday.
They include a nearly $85,000 payout to settle a complaint against Councilmember Emmanuel Remy.
Averi Townsend, a former legislative aide, claims Remy treated her harshly in conversation about a paid leave issue.
Townsend alleges Remy violated her rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disability Act.
Her complaint states she was discriminated against under Title VII and subjected to retaliation by Remy.
Council President Pro Tempore Rob Dorans said the allegations against Remy are "disappointing," adding that the workplace behavior Townsend described is not acceptable.
"No one should be subject to that kind of behavior in the workplace, let alone those that have raised their hand to serve," Dorans said. "I believe Councilmember Remy knows that and knows that this body expects our staff to be treated with dignity and respect and will take the necessary actions to make sure that he does that in the future."
Remy was not present for Monday's council meeting.
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said Remy must undergo management training before he'll sign off on any new permanent staff.
"I care about my colleague, Councilmember Remy, as a person, and I believe he's a good man and a good legislator," Hardin said, "but this is a moment of learning, not just for Remy, but for me and this council. It's a time for accountability."
By approving the settlement, the city admits no fault but avoids future litigation.
Other settlements approved Monday include a $750,000 payout to the estate of Timothy Wiggins, a Delaware man who was killed in a crash involving a Columbus fire engine in 2023.
A total of $75,000 will be paid to Luis Escobedo Villanueva, who was wrongfully arrested by Columbus police in Sept. 2024 in a case of mistaken identity.
A fourth settlement will award $30,000 to Anita Davis, a former employee with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department who filed a lawsuit claiming racial discrimination by her supervisors.
