Any decision relating to the future of Cedarbrook Nursing Home, South Whitehall will not take place until after Labor Day.

Lehigh County commissioners at their July 8 meeting opted to wait until September to proceed with making a decision on the facility.

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

Commissioner David Jones Sr. took issue with the board waiting until September, suggesting 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 further into the advisory team's recommendations.

"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 Cedarbrook's future.

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