Lehigh County commissioners have decided to ring in the new year by looking more deeply into operations of Cedarbrook nursing home, South Whitehall.

At the Dec. 18, 2013, meeting, board members agreed to consider at their next meeting a study of the financial operations of Cedarbrook to be possibly done by Complete HealthCare Resources, Eastern Inc., Montgomery County.

The study would cost the county $18,000.

"We would look at all aspects of the operation," CHR Vice President Todd Wagner said. The study would explore financial alternatives for the nursing home. Two potential options could include selling Cedarbrook or maintaining operations.

Commissioner Scott Ott asked how the board should proceed regarding retaining a company to conduct the study.

"I feel uncomfortable starting to interview consultants without a recommendation from the executive," Ott said.

County Executive Matthew Croslis and County Executive-elect Thomas Muller expressed their support for the study to be conducted by CHR.

"CHR is more focused in the medical field," Croslis said.

Commissioner Tom Creighton also voiced his support for CHR.

"We are in a situation where there are a lot of people out there who do this kind of work," Creighton said. "I believe CHR has the most experience."

Commissioner Percy Dougherty said Cedarbrook should focus on becoming an independent business entity rather than primarily relying on subsidies from Lehigh County.

In addition, he said Medicaid and Medicare should be used to run the nursing home.

Dougherty stressed commissioners must make a decision soon regarding any possible study to determine the future of the nursing home.

"I feel time is of the essence," he said. "We're going to have to do something quickly."

Creighton argued Cedarbrook is "losing money," pointing to the transfer of $3.6 million in 2013.

In 2014, Lehigh County will provide about $6.5 million to the nursing home.

Commissioner David Jones Sr. said commissioners have not received adequate responses to their previous inquiries from the nursing home, so a study is warranted.

"We're going to have to look to change this business model a little bit,'' Muller told commissioners.

Commissioner Brad Osborne emphasized the county must act in an oversight role to ensure Cedarbrook is operating efficiently.

"We have a fiscal responsibility to look into that," Dougherty added.

Commissioners will next meet 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 in the public hearing room of the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. 7th St., Allentown.