JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A bill that would redesign social services across North Dakota is currently awaiting the governor’s signature.

Senate Bill 2124, commonly known as the social services redesign bill, would create and enact new sections of the North Dakota Century Code relating to the creation of human service zones. This will essentially eliminate the term ‘social service agency’ and will create ‘human service zones’.

Stutsman County Social Services Director Em Burkett informed the Stutsman County Commission that they have until December 1st to decide which counties to team up with to create a service ‘zone’.

A zone director would also need to be hired by March 31st, 2020 to oversee all the counties within their established zone. Burkett says at this time, it appears Stutsman would team up with Barnes County to create a zone.

The move would not eliminate offices but would rather have one ‘seat’ that would oversee the social service offices in each county their zoned with.

Commissioner Ramone Gumke stated that the amount of coverage for the zone director should be kept in mind.

The Stutsman County Commission made a motion to send a letter to surrounding counties and make contact in regards to teaming up and create zones. The commission also created a sub-committee that will be available when the time comes to make a decision.

North Dakota will now have 19 human service zones that will allow people to get services anywhere in the state and not just the county they live in. Funding will be based on need and where services are being performed.