PR Firm Resigns Convention Center Contract, Mayor to Hire Auditor

McNeely, Piggot & Fox has stepped away from its contract to promote a new Nashville convention center.

A resignation letter sent to city officials Monday cites concerns that questions about the contract might damage the firm’s reputation.

Initially, the public relations house had a $75,000 deal with the city. After the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency board voted to make the contract open ended, the firm invoiced more than $450,000 for services that included tracking blogs and twittering about the Music City Center. The city recently suspended the contract.

Mayor Karl Dean announced plans Monday to hire an independent auditor for a review all of the contracts and spending related to the convention center. Dean is also asking Metro Council to create a Convention Center Authority to oversee the project.