50-01.1-02. Creation of human service zones

50-01.1-02. Creation of human service zones 1. In order to provide optimum service, reduce program costs, and benefit recipients of human services within this state, counties shall combine and consolidate their county agencies into human service zones in the manner provided in this chapter. 2. Human service zones succeed to all the powers and duties enumerated for county agencies and shall perform all the functions and responsibilities assigned to county agencies by this title. When consistent with this chapter, all provisions relating to county agencies contained in this title apply to and govern human service zones. 3. Counties shall identify other counties with which to enter a human service zone agreement, and together the board of county commissioners shall file with the department a written agreement to create a human service zone. The agreement must identify the proposed counties of the human service zone, host county, identify the human service zone board members, proposed effective date, and agree to seek approval from the department regarding hiring or dismissal of human service zone employees. The department shall review and approve all agreements in accordance with section 50-01.1-03. The department may modify the agreements as specified in section 50-01.1-03 or if some of the counties are not included in a human service zone. The board of county commissioners shall submit a plan as prescribed in section