The city manager shall be the chief administrative officer of the city and shall be chosen by the governing body solely on the basis of the person's qualifications. The choice shall not be limited to the inhabitants of the city or state and a majority vote of the members of the governing body shall be necessary to make the choice. The city manager shall receive a compensation of not less than one thousand dollars a year and shall be chosen for an indefinite term.
N.D.C.C. § 40-10-03