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Legal action is underway in Elko New Market after the city cut the police force outraging many people who live there.

Some council members say it was to cut down on future costs, but many people aren't buying it. The numbers show it would actually cost more to rely on the sheriff's office.

"Something is going on behind the scenes and that's why I've been retained to investigate it," said Bob Bauer, an attorney.

A concerned resident hired Bauer on Friday.

"How did this item miraculously appear on the agenda and was it truly a public meeting when this action was discussed?" Bauer said.

Bauer says he is looking into a number of issues including whether the three council members who voted to do away with the police force had generated a consensus before the April 9 council meeting. If so, that would be a violation of the state's Open Meeting law.

As the legal battle gets going, Sheriff Kevin Studnicka spent his Friday night working extra hours.

"I'm as concerned as they are about what's going on down here, so, you know, I'm just pulling my weight," Studnicka said.

Days after council members voted 3-2 to get rid of the police department, vandals wrote, 'This is what no cops looks like' at a local park.

"This is something that could precipitate into something much larger," Studnicka said.

The sheriff says he has taken calls from residents concerned about crime and their safety. Even though the city hasn't worked out compensation, deputies will patrol Elko New Market.

"Just to give the citizens some reassurance that we haven't forgotten about them," Studnicka said.

Another council meeting is scheduled for next Thursday. The sheriff will be in attendance and talk about the possibilities of a contract. Several hundred people are expected to show up.