Representatives of Three Rivers Human Service Zone presented the zone’s proposed 2026 operating budget to the Morton County Commission on Aug. 26 and explained several line-item changes compared with 2025.
Dennis Meyer, presenting the budget spreadsheets, said state-level changes removed some program costs previously carried by zones — notably shelter care and child-care billing — which reduced the zone’s operating lines. Meyer said salary line items were corrected downward after an inflated 2025 figure and that targeted case management revenues are expected at about $40,000.
Meyer gave a total operating budget of approximately $5,037,000 for the zone and said that, as presented, Morton County’s direct portion of that operating budget is none. "This is all state. It's all state," he said when asked about the county’s portion. Meyer added that indirect costs — reimbursements the county collects for administrative services such as auditor functions — are calculated separately and are not part of the zone’s operating budget presented here.
Commissioners and Meyer discussed placement challenges and costs for children with complex needs. Meyer said that when state-approved placements lapse or a child lacks an appropriate less‑restrictive placement, the zone may pay for higher-cost placements or temporary hoteling; he described instances where out-of‑home placements can cost $1,500–$2,000 per day and said the zone has at times had to use hoteling in its office while seeking placements.
Meyer said staffing levels have stabilized and that the zone had been successful in recruitment compared with some other zones. No county appropriation or action was requested at the meeting; the presentation was informational.