VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Police Chief Phil Hatcher has a new four year contract with the city. The employment contract was unanimously approved by the city commission on December 17th.

Police Commissioner Mike Bishop said the morale at the department has never been better.

City Commissioner Jeff Erickson asked why the position isn’t an elected one. City Finance Director Avis Richter said under the city’s Home Charter Rule the police chief is an appointed position.