Any decision relating to the future of Cedarbrook Nursing Homes, Allentown, will not take place until after the Labor Day holiday.

The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners at the July 8 meeting opted to wait until September to proceed with making a decision on the nursing home.

The Cedarbrook Advisory Team presented to the board its final report June 30, recommending renovation or replacement of the nursing home.

Commissioner David Jones Sr. took issue with the board waiting until September. He instead suggested the board act promptly.

Jones also recommended the county build a smaller facility as well as retain a consultant to put together an analysis to determine the size of the nursing home facility.

"I have enough information to make a decision," he said. "I'm hearing, 'let's do another study.' I don't know how much more input we need."

Commissioner Percy Dougherty also urged the board to make a decision fairly quickly.

"We have to make some strategic decisions about what we want to do there," he said.

Commissioner Michael Schware said the board should take its time deliberating and exploring the issue."

"It's a decision we want to get right," he said.

Commissioner Vic Mazziotti recommended the board look into the advisory team's recommendations further.

"We need to come together as an organization," he said.

"It's time to deal with the renovate or replace question. I think we do need to renovate or replace."

Another possible option for the advisory team might include having a nonprofit run the nursing home, Mazziotti said.

Mazziotti added the board is on the cusp of making a decision concerning the future of Cedarbrook.

"We're now on the path of doing something significant," he said.