WEST FARGO -- West Fargo Police Chief Mike Reitan was placed on paid administrative leave Friday, though it’s unclear why.

West Fargo Mayor Rich Mattern confirmed late Friday afternoon that the decision was made by city officials.

The move came after city commissioners met with the city attorney and city administrator for more than an hour in a closed-door meeting regarding an “employment matter” Friday, Jan. 13. Notice of the meeting was sent to media outlets shortly before it was set to start.

Commissioners adjourned the public portion of the meeting without publicly voting on anything. They are barred under state law from voting in a private executive session.

As he prepared to enter the executive session, Mattern said he was closing the meeting for attorney-client privilege. The mayor, four commissioners, city clerk, administrator and human resources director met privately with City Attorney John Shockley.

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After the meeting, officials would not elaborate on the issue discussed behind closed doors.

A couple hours later, Mattern confirmed Reitan was placed on leave. The mayor wouldn’t say why the police chief was placed on leave and directed further questions to city attorney Shockley, who said the city isn’t facing any lawsuits at this time.

Shockley said a vote and further details on the issue may be discussed at Monday’s regular City Commission meeting, but he could not confirm that Friday.

Reitan did not return calls seeking comment on Friday.

Reitan was hired as chief after longtime chief Arland Rasmussen retired in 2015.

The Casselton native had been assistant chief for almost nine years under Rasmussen. He began working as a patrol officer with the police department in 1987. He was promoted to police sergeant in 1995.