By Sara StrongAs expected, the Luverne City Council terminated its contract for law enforcement services with the Rock County Sheriff’s Department.The council said it doesn’t have immediate plans for how the city will provide for law enforcement when the current contract expires in December 2005. City Administrator Greg LaFond said, "We’re taking action to protect the city’s interest, but it’s our intent and hope to have discussions to resolve this issue."The county asked the city to contribute $669,366 to sheriff and dispatch budgets. The city had most recently offered $592,500. The council believes that its contract payment to the county, in addition to what citizens already pay in property taxes to the county, add up to Luverne residents paying 60 percent of law enforcement costs.Even after the termination, city leaders are saying contract negotiations can continue.Mayor Glen Gust said he won’t be around for those negotiations (because he’s not running for office) but he is optimistic the city will be able to pay less for a contract with the county.Councilman Pat Baustian said he believed services have improved since the Luverne Police Department and County Sheriff’s Department merged in 1998."But," Baustian said, "we have to watch out for the taxpayers of Luverne. There has to be a way to make this fair to the citizens."He said all expenses in the city are under scrutiny since state aid has been reduced. He said other program cuts, such as leaf pick-up or other services citizens have taken for granted, could change.Councilman David Hauge said, "Decisions made up here aren’t always easy ones. … Terminating this contract is not a decision we want to make or are happy to make."Even though the city wants to continue negotiations, the county may not be so willing. The county can’t get past the city wanting the same service for less money.County Administrator Kyle Oldre said they are so far apart economically and philosophically that talks will be difficult."I’m sure we will negotiate, but until we can come to the table with something more to talk about, it’ll be a while," Oldre said.