By Sara StrongAs an advising body to the city of Luverne and Rock County, the Pool Commission discussed its future Tuesday. Commission members are concerned because the city and county’s joint powers agreement for the facility expires at the end of the year.The county backed out of the agreement as a retaliation and moneysaving move after the city cancelled its dispatching services agreement. The city has since also cancelled its law enforcement contract with the county.Pool Commission member and County Commissioner Ken Hoime said, "The joint law thing is just holding everything back."He said, "I wish we could sit at the same table and talk. It seems like the walls are built, and it’s too bad."Commission member Damon Eisma said he was worried about employees feeling secure in their jobs. "My concern is that it’s a great facility and a great service, and we need to keep it going. … We don’t want to have to lock the doors Jan. 1," Eisma said. "It is complicated and how will we divide it?"The joint powers agreement says that, after termination, the jointly-owned facility would be split between the two owners — the city and county.To the county, that means the facility and its contents should be assessed or sold and the county would get a check for half the value.The city has said that, considering unfunded depreciation over the years, the county actually owes the city money.There are liability issues for the county if the facility is run by the city while still half-owned by the county when no joint powers agreement is in place.Hoime said, "We’re coming to the end of the year pretty quick."He said his concern for the facility is separate from law enforcement contract controversies with the city."I know this is a good service. I represent a rural area of the county, but I’m pro-city all the way. It’s our county seat. I know we can’t have the facility in Kenneth and I want it to stay."Pool Commission member Bob Kaczrowski is also a Luverne City Council member. He said, "Luverne is a part of the county and sometimes people do forget that. … The bottom line is, two government agencies bought this facility for the good of everyone."Hoime and Kaczrowski will take the issue back to the County Board and City Council to address the issue.New ideas Pool management will bring ideas to the Commission that may encourage more members to pay in full, rather than monthly.Monthly payments are riskier because the accounts can become delinquent, whereas those paid in full require no follow-up. Currently the only incentive to pay in full is a $6 price difference because of no billing fee.Management may offer a free month of membership, a t-shirt or another incentive to encourage full payments.Pool management is also brainstorming for specials during Minnesota Education Association conferences when children are out of school. The Pool and Fitness Center may also have Halloween and Thanksgiving specials or unique activities.