Steve Boser resigned Monday as Pierz police chief, a position he held for almost 20 years.
The Pierz City Council had planned to meet in a closed session Monday to discuss allegations of misconduct against Boser, who was placed on paid administrative leave Feb. 19.
However, Mayor Toby Egan said the council was informed Monday night that Boser earlier Monday had tendered his resignation effective immediately.
"I don't think anybody was caught off guard by this," Egan said, but noted the council deferred its decision on accepting the resignation until its regular meeting this coming Monday.
When asked for comment during a phone call to his home, Boser hung up the phone without saying anything.
Egan declined to discuss the specifics of the allegations against Boser, citing data privacy laws. City Administrator Michael DeRosia said that on the advice of the city's attorney council members and staffers wouldn't be discussing any details of the investigation or resignation until the council formally accepts the resignation Monday.
Boser was the department's only full-time employee. The police department also has four part-time officers, one of whom, Doug Rekstad, will serve as interim police chief until a new chief is hired. The Morrison County Sheriff's Department also will help patrol the city, Egan said.
DeRosia said the council also will have to determine the police chief hiring process at its March 10 meeting.
"We're going on 24 hours here, it's not something we immediately expected so we have to, I'm sure, start from square one with the department," DeRosia said.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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