Four-County Human Services Authority Continues Coming Up With...

Four southeastern MN counties square measure one step nearer to combining their human services delivery.

Waseca, Steele, Mower, and Dodge counties are discussing the merger of their human services departments for many years. analysis for the Service Delivery Authority — SDA — began in 2009. within the starting, twelve counties were curious about connection along within the initiative, however eight born out last year.


On Tuesday, twenty six individuals from the four counties, as well as county commissioners, human services administrators and directors, met in Owatonna to speak concerning the arrange.

Mower County Commissioner Tim Gabrielson same the first cluster of twelve counties had, "… too many various sizes and variations in wealth."

He same the four counties currently, "… square measure very a decent mix, with 2 smaller and 2 medium-sized counties."

Dodge County Commissioner Lyle Tjosaas welcome the cluster, and raiseed participants to voice issues or ask queries currently, "… as a result of as we tend to move forward, it's going to be more durable to induce out," he said.

Within following few months, the four county boards are asked to approve going forward with a close style part. That part ought to take a few year, same Steele County Administrator Tom Shea.

The counties square measure coming up with the merger as a result of the 2009 assembly passed a law authorizing counties to voluntarily merge departments to produce higher quality social services, officers same. Smaller counties generally haven't got the employees experience or time to produce all needed services. for instance, adoption services would possibly seldom be employed in any given county, however each is needed to understand the way to assist residents within the method.

Marilee Reck, human services director from Waseca County, same they were at the table to see what is best for his or her employees and purchasers and not wait till changes were mandated from St. Paul.

The planning part is being bought by associate $80,000 grant from the Bush Foundation and matching contributions from the counties. Full implementation of the arrange is projected for early 2015.

Participants commented concerning however well members of the committee have worked along.

Fears of the cluster were additionally noted. What square measure the union implications? Would individuals wander away within the transfer process? Do the counties understand their true monetary obligations?

Committee members were suggested to take care of the transparency and open communications they need to date displayed and to still thrash out the funding formula.

Full details concerning the authority square measure on the Dodge County web site.