Laredo ISD not happy about new detention center

A private prison company is stirring up debate in Webb County, and this time it's not affiliated with the GEO Group.Laredo Independent School District trustee Jose A. Valdez has expressed his concern about Webb County's negotiations with Cornell Companies for the proposed sale of the Webb County Juvenile Detention Center in west Laredo.

On Monday, the Webb County Commissioners Court approved a $20,000 earnest-money contract with a 90-day due diligence period and a total sale price of $1.3 million with Cornell Correction of California, a subsidiary of the Texas-based company. The final contract, however, has not been approved.

The detention center's location, in the 4100 block of Juarez Avenue, is too close to nearby schools and raises safety issues, Jose Valdez said.