petitionfaxValley City  (CSi)  A petition to disband the Valley City police Department has been  submitted to the City of Valley City for approval.

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

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

City Attorney Russ Myhre says according to the Home Rule Charter,  the City Auditor has ten days after receipt to  approve or disapprove the Petition for circulation to the committee of petitioners.

The City Auditor then  has to submit a response by December 18 to the committee made up of Tony Drake, Lloyd Nelson and Bob Drake.

Prior to the petition submittal,  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.