SIDNEY, Neb. (AP) — A decision is expected soon on whether the Sidney police chief will keep his job following his conviction for obstructing government operations.

Interim City Manager Geri Anthony said Wednesday that the decision on Chief B.J. Wilkinson is “getting really close” and that she’s waiting “for our attorneys to come up with the proper paperwork.”

Prosecutors say Wilkinson was derelict because he didn’t pursue a criminal case against a city official who eventually was prosecuted and convicted. Wilkinson said in his defense that he acted “in the best interests” of the city.

On Sept. 29 Wilkinson lost the first appeal of his conviction and 30-day sentence. He told the newspaper Wednesday that he expects to take the case to the Nebraska Appeals Court later this month.