Northampton County Council met Sept. 1 to introduce an ordinance “issuing a request for proposals seeking bidders to conduct a comprehensive operational study of Gracedale Nursing Home.”

Gracedale has been a hot topic at a few county council meetings.

A potential study, as discussed during the April 7 meeting, will include “an analysis of revenue and expenditure, a determination of employee morale and, most importantly, a way for council to address any shortcomings.”

In March, current and former Gracedale employees discussed their work environment.

Many employees said they were terminated for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, after having worked through the majority of the pandemic. These employees also said their pay and benefits are lower than other nursing homes.

Both of these issues caused certified employees to leave and the number of trainees to increase, taking a toll on Gracedale residents. One resident resorted to calling 911 to get bedsheets changed, while an interaction with a trainee left another feeling humiliated.

A public hearing, debate and possible vote on the matter was scheduled to be held at council’s Sept. 15 meeting.

In other business, council approved an ordinance authorizing the county to lease 2,689 square feet across three third-floor suites at 1901 Hay Terrace. The lease starts at $3,865.43 per month for all three suites.

District Judge Robert Yetter’s office will be moved to this location, according to Councilman John Cusick. This location is larger and more secure than his current office at 1710 Butler St.

Council also passed a motion awarding a $11,000 grant through the NORCO Grows program to the Shiloh Baptist Church for emergency homeless shelter renovations.