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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) A proposal to disband the Valley City police department took one step forward today after a group of three people submitted a petition to the city of Valley City for approval.

The petition asks the voters to approve setting up an ordinance to disband the Valley City Police Department and have all law enforcement responsibility under the Barnes County Sheriff’s office.

One of the sponsoring committee members Bob Drake said the city would save money by eliminating the police department.

City Attorney Russ Myhre said this Petition is a submission. He said according to the Home Rule Charter for the City of Valley City, the City Auditor has ten days after receipt to either approve or disapprove the Petition for circulation to the committee of petitioners. The City Auditor has to submit a response by December 18 to the committee made up of Tony Drake, Lloyd Nelson and Bob Drake.

Earlier this month Valley City Administrator David Schlelkoph said the city stopped the search process for a new police chief due to the unknown outcome of the proposed city petition and possible vote by the people.

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