Lehigh County Board of Commissioners recently decided to extend its contract with Magellan Behavioral Health.

The board voted 7-2 at the Dec. 16 meeting to extend the contract. Voted in opposition were Commissioners Vic Mazziotti and David Jones Sr.

The new contract is scheduled to begin July 1, 2016.

Commissioner Percy Dougherty called for greater oversight of the organization.

“We need to see improvement. We need to keep their feet to the fire,” he said.

Despite his vote of approval, Commissioner Geoff Brace pointed out the organization has been inconsistent with maintaining communication with the county.

Jones, who voted against extending the contract last year as well, referred to constant complaints leveled against the organization, predominantly from the public.

Magellan, which has been a county provider for 14 years, provides behavioral health services for county residents who are eligible for medical assistance.

Once the contract is drawn up, the board will formally approve it.

The board also recognized Commissioners Lisa Scheller and Mazziotti for their service on the board. Mazziotti was not reelected and Scheller did not seek another term on the board.

Mazziotti said he was comfortable and content with his service on the board.

Scheller also said she considered it a great responsibility to serve as a commissioner.

Jones said Mazziotti and Scheller offered a different perspective to board discussions.

“You left a mark,” Jones said of both Mazziotti and Scheller.

New board members Marty Nothstein and Dan Hartzell will be sworn in at the Jan. 4, 2016 commissioners organization meeting.

The board will also vote on and nominate a chairperson and vice chairperson for 2016 at the meeting.