Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network will soon begin managing the financial and operational affairs of Cedarbrook Nursing Homes.

Lehigh County Board of Commissioners approved a two-year, $2.2 million contract Feb. 24 with GS Management Services by a vote of 8-1.

Voting in opposition was Commissioner Michael Schware.

The contract with GS Management runs 2016 to 2018.

Schware expressed concern with Good Shepherd’s lack of experience, as well as the county failing to consider Premier Healthcare Resources as a financially stronger offer. Premier Healthcare was the low bidder at $1.9 million.

Premier Healthcare currently manages Gracedale Nursing Home, Northampton County.

The contract gives the county executive or board the power to request the replacement of any given professional staff member of Good Shepherd, as well as require the nursing home to furnish to the board financial reports on a monthly basis.

Board Chairman Brad Osborne publicly offered his support for Good Shepherd.

“There is no other organization in the county I would want providing services to residents and their families,” he added.

In the past, Osborne touted Good Shepherd as a professional organization with a proactive board and team of leaders.

According to Good Shepherd President and Chief Executive Officer John Kristel, the organization expects to begin managing Cedarbrook within the next few weeks.