JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – In 2017, a bill was passed in North Dakota to create social service zones as part of a redesign.

On January 6th, the first meeting of the zone including Stutsman and Barnes County will meet.

“The North Dakota Department of Human Services, the North Dakota Association of Counties and county social services leaders are working together with the support of Gov. Doug Burgum and state lawmakers to redesign social services to better serve North Dakotans and deliver effective services in a more efficient way,” the State website states. “The goal is to offer quality human services statewide to North Dakotans that improve lives.”

Interim Zone Director Emeline Burkett says this meeting is replacing the Barnes County and Stutsman County Social Service Board meetings.

On the agenda includes welcome and introductions, election of Vice Presiding Officer and Secretary, and scheduled Zone Board Meetings along with other business.

The meeting is set for January 6th at 10 AM inside the Stutsman County Social Services conference room at 116 1st Street East in Jamestown.