Representatives from two managing consulting firms met with members of the Harrison-Clarksburg Board of Health at a special meeting Tuesday afternoon.
The two companies, and another unable to attend Tuesday's meeting, are being considered by the board to conduct a review of how the health department operates.
Joe Barnes of Doak, Cuppett & Poling of Clarksburg explained his company's background and outlined what his firm's approach to the review would be, including an examination of patient services, environmental services, facility analysis and administrative functions.
The company was established in 1983 and most of its clients are outside of Clarksburg, Barnes said. The company does have extensive experience in the health care industry, he said.
"Approximately 90 percent of our client fees are derived from health care clients," Barnes said.
Don Andrews of Charleston, who owns his own consulting firm and is an instructor at the University of Charleston, also presented the board background on his company and discussed some of his previous projects including one for the Small Business Administration and the City of New Martinsville.
"We'll tell you what we think should be done, not what you want to hear," Andrews said.
R. David Blackman & Associates of Greensboro, N.C., the third management firm that responded to the board's request, will meet with the board at a later date.
Cost estimates for the consulting firms were not disclosed at the meeting.
Following the presentations, the board adjourned into executive session for approximately 15 minutes to discuss "contractual obligations" and "financial matters."
After the executive session, one employee asked for clarification on information discussed in the closed session. Board member Thomas Keeley verbally lashed out at the employee.
Later Keeley explained that his anger stemmed from the lack of protocol shown by those trying to speak to the board. He said to speak to the board, members of the public must raise their hand and be recognized by the chairman.
"People keep speaking without being recognized and it causes a disruption of the board," he said. "It keeps happening."
The employee had no comment.
Another special meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13.
Staff writer Jennifer Biller can be reached at 626-1443.
