Months of quarrels between the city and its police chief ended Wednesday with an agreement calling his departure a retirement and providing severance pay and benefits totaling $76,717.

The agreement with Dean Ross, who was placed on unpaid leave Sept. 9 amid allegations by city officials of his misconduct and mishandling of funds, won unanimous approval by the five-member Valley City Commission in a special meeting.

Under the agreement, Ross will release the city from legal claims and the city is dropping its administrative allegations of misconduct and misappropriation of funds.

The terms of the agreement provide Ross with severance pay and pension benefits of $64,061, accrued vacation of $7,405, and sick leave payout of $6,275.

Separately, the city reached an agreement with CounterAct, a nonprofit Ross was affiliated with involving youth alcohol and drug awareness and prevention.

The agreement with CounterAct called for $45,000 to be applied to youth alcohol and drug awareness and prevention. CounterAct also agreed to pay $25,000 to the city auditor of Valley City.