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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The search to hire a new police chief is on hold due to a proposed petition in Valley City.

Valley City Administrator David Schlelkoph said the reason the city stopped the search process was due to the unknown outcome of a proposed city petition and possible vote by the people in the future.

Under the proposal the administrative control of the city police department would move to the Barnes County Sheriff’s office if the proposed measure was passed by the voters of Valley City.

According to City Auditor Avis Richter as of December 2nd the petition has not been submitted to the city for approval.

The current police chief Fred Thompson tendered his resignation earlier this year and will step down in mid-January.