At its Sept. 15 meeting, Northampton County Council unanimously approved two ordinances requesting proposals for a wage and benefit analysis for the county, as well as a comprehensive operational study for Gracedale Nursing Home.

The county is required by career service regulations to perform a wage and benefit analysis from time to time.

“The last time [Northampton County] did it was 2007, so it’s more than past time we do it,” Councilman John Cusick said.

A wage and benefit analysis is meant to make sure the county is offering suitable wages for the economic environment. The analysis looks at the workforce of the county, as well as compares its wages to the private sector and other comparable counties.

Councilwoman Kerry Myers said she agrees with the analysis, citing the lack of employees in the juvenile justice center and other sections of the county.

Council also discussed a comprehensive operational study for Gracedale.

The nursing home currently has a capacity of 688, which involves putting four people in a room with no private bathroom.

Four people per room is “no longer an industry standard,” Cusick said.

He questioned if Gracedale should transition to two per room with a private bathroom.

County Executive Lamont McClure, who was not present at the meeting, is of the belief Gracedale is turning a financial corner. However, according to Cusick, that was the result of federal money that may come to an end.

“This is going to be able to assist us as more of a deep dive into the workings of Gracedale. When the department of health comes in, they’re going to audit for safety violations,” Councilman John Goffredo said, adding he hopes the study will tell Gracedale’s strengths and weaknesses and how its pay matches up.

Northampton County Council will next meet 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 in the county building, 669 Washington St., Easton.