The Morton County Commission has narrowed its list to three companies that can provide human resource, risk management and payroll services for Morton employees.

Meeting Tuesday, the commission heard from auditor Paul Trauger that Doherty of Edina, Minn., Avitus of Billings, Mont., and Fargo's CBI had responded to the county's Request for Proposals and were capable of providing the services as listed.

Bismarck's Fronteer Personnel Services, which had indicated interest in performing the duties, withdrew from consideration, being unable to provide human resources services at this time, Trauger said.

Commissioner Matt Erhardt asked that a committee be created to interview the three companies.

Commission Chairman Mark Bitz said the interviews should take place as soon as possible, and Trauger was asked to contact the companies to see if they could make presentations next week.

On Commissioner Andy Zachmeier's recommendation, it was decided that the entire commission will take part in the interview, along with a human resources director from another governmental entity.

All the department heads will be required to attend the interviews but need to submit any questions they have prior to the interview process.

"Perhaps we could ask the human resources director from the city of Bismarck, since Burleigh County doesn't have a director at the moment and is conducting a search," Zachmeier said.

Trauger said the county commission should look for a one-year contract with the company that is selected.

He said a 30-day turnaround of payroll services is more than the county would want to take on. Trauger has handled payroll for the past 30 years as auditor.

The county will draw upon the Association of Counties to provide it with information that should be considered in picking a company to provide human resource, risk management and payroll services.

State's Attorney Allen Koppy told commissioners that the interviews will likely have to be conducted in an open meeting, since there will be a quorum.

Morton has been without a human resources director since December.

Once a company is chosen to provide services, the commission will decide whether it will retain the secretary for the human resources department.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)