Two management consulting firms responded to the Harrison-Clarksburg Board of Health's request for a review of how the health department operates.
The board hopes to meet with the independent consultants on Aug. 29, but is still seeking other firms that may want to advise the board on management strategies, said Administrator Randy Moodispaugh following Tuesday's Board of Health meeting.
Doak, Cuppett & Poling of Clarksburg and R. David Blackman & Associates of Greensboro, N.C., are the two firms that offered proposals.
Two other companies expressed interest and said they would submit proposals, but did not, Moodispaugh said.
The board announced at its June meeting that it was seeking consultation from management companies.
"We would like them to come in and look at the internal functioning of the health department -- if there is any way we could maximize services and if there is anything we could do to enhance the relationship between the board and the health department," said Mary Ann Iquinto, board president.
During Tuesday's meeting, one employee asked if the review could be done internally to save money.
"I can't see how a consulting firm coming in from out of state and not being in the medical field could help us," Charlene Leon said. "I feel that it's money spent that we don't need to spend right now.
"I think more can be accomplished with the board members and the administration working together the way they did today rather than bringing in a consultant."
No money will be spent on any firm until the consultants outline their services and the potential costs, said board member Thomas Vidovich.
"We really don't know what we would ask them to look at until we hear what they say we may need to have looked at," Iquinto said.
Meanwhile, the board scheduled a special meeting for Sept. 13 to examine revising the smoking policy for restaurants.
The board also held an election of officers and named Iquinto as chairwoman and Vidovich as vice chairman.
Staff writer Jennifer Biller can be reached at 626-1443.