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Commission approves Poplar Group contract after adding no-conflict language
Summary
Hamilton County commissioners voted to authorize a contract with the Poplar Group to represent the county in Nashville after amending the contract language to bar political conflicts of interest; the vote followed extended questions from commissioners and a briefing by Poplar Group principal Chris Devaney.
Hamilton County commissioners on Feb. 5 approved a resolution authorizing the county to retain the Poplar Group to represent Hamilton County at the Tennessee Legislature, after adding contract language to prohibit political conflicts of interest.
The commission voted to approve Resolution 2-25-10 as amended. The amended language requires the firm and key personnel to disclose and avoid conflicts of interest in Hamilton County and restrict political activity that would create a direct conflict while under contract, the change requested by several commissioners during a public Q&A.
The Poplar Group’s lead representative, Chris Devaney, answered multiple questions from commissioners about work commitments, past political activity and how the firm would report back to the commission. “If approved, we will be very honored, not only to, you know, represent the county, but, just be be part of the continued excitement that's going on in Hamilton County, Chattanooga,” Devaney said during the meeting. He later added: “You have my word that we will constantly be in contact with the county commission,” describing routine deliverables and a Nashville-based team that would support the county.
Commissioners pressed Devaney on whether he or his staff participate in PACs or 501(c)(4) activity and on whether family members receive political compensation. Devaney said no, that some staff serve on 501(c)(3) nonprofit boards, and agreed in principle to contractual restrictions that would bar direct political or PAC work in Hamilton County while under contract and for a period after, subject to specific contract language.
The debate included procedural motions to defer while the county attorney’s office drafted explicit language. Commissioners ultimately amended the resolution on the floor to add the no-conflict terms discussed in the meeting; that amendment passed by roll call and the amended resolution passed in a subsequent roll call.
Mayor comments and staff briefs at the meeting stressed the county had vetted multiple firms before advancing the Poplar Group. Commissioners cited the ongoing legislative session and time sensitivity as reasons to approve promptly once the conflict language was added. Supporters said the firm will provide both lobbying and strategic communications at no additional charge beyond the contracted services and will work with the county mayor, the commission and the legislative delegation on prioritized issues.
The commission instructed the county attorney and procurement staff to incorporate the agreed language into the formal contract deliverables and return the finalized contract per the amended resolution.
