Butler County will negotiate with a New Jersey company interested in buying the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

The county commissioners on Wednesday authorized Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, to negotiate a sales agreement with Investment 360 of Lakewood, N.J.

McCarrier said the company is the county’s first choice.

“They’re a very reputable company,” he said.

The three commissioners last week visited five health care facilities in New York owned by Investment 360 and another company that the county won’t name.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton said he was impressed with Investment’s owners during a facility tour.

“They knew a lot of the residents’ names,” Pinkerton said.

Although Commissioner Jim Eckstein, who opposes a Sunnyview sale, dissented in the vote, he expressed satisfaction with Investment.

“It’s the best company,” Eckstein said.

Investment was one of eight companies that made offers to buy Sunnyview. County officials won’t disclose the other companies and what amounts were proposed.

Prospective buyers were required to quote at least $13.5 million.

Before the vote, Eckstein complained that Investment was listed on the agenda.

“I see we already picked somebody,” he said. “How did we do that?”

McCarrier said he placed the name on the agenda because the company left the best impression.

Pinkerton said county staff asked him ahead of time what his selection would be.

Eckstein admitted county solicitor Mike English approached him about a choice, but he wasn’t ready to pick one at that time.

McCarrier stressed the vote Wednesday does not guarantee a sales contract with Investment.

“We may not pick them,” he said.

Eckstein also criticized the choice of McCarrier, a former math teacher, to be the head negotiator.

“That doesn’t make any sense to me at all,” Eckstein said.

He said English would be the more appropriate person.

McCarrier, who founded Interstate Pipe & Supply Co. of Butler, pointed out he has owned and sold health care facilities.

“I own two personal care homes myself,” he said.

McCarrier was a co-owner of the former Sterling Care Group, which operated two facilities in the southeast corner of the county.

McCarrier said he also brokered the sale of a Masonic-operated facility in Sewickley.

Eckstein vowed to attend the negotiations with Investment.

“I’ll be there,” he said.

English replied that Eckstein would not be permitted to attend.

Eckstein threatened to seek a court injunction ensuring his presence at the negotiations.

English didn’t deter him from that option.

“You should proceed as you see fit,” English said.

During public comment, Beverly Schenck, a former Center Township supervisor, said the county mishandled the process.

Schenck said there should have been public hearings on the proposed sale.