VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The city of Valley City voted to extend their face mask mandate on Tuesday, January 19th, one day, after Governor Burgum lifted the statewide mandate. COVID-19 positivity numbers have dropped significantly in the area and statewide according to the North Dakota Department of Health.

City commissioner Dick Gulmon said he voted to extend the face mask mandate as a precaution.

Commissioner Jeff Erickson believes the mandate should be lifted.

Commissioner Mike Bishop agreed.

Mayor Dave Carlsrud believes the mandate should remain in place for another 30 days.

On Tuesday, the city commission approved of a motion to extend the face mask mandate now through February 19th on a 3 to 2 vote. Commissioners Erickson and Bishop voted against the motion.

City Attorney Carl Martineck said the city commission will decide after February 19th whether they should lift or extend the face mask mandate.

The full presentation and exchange of comments from the city commission is available below.