Maverick County can actually operate that facility, that is one of the options.  Another alternative according to their financial advisors is to look for another group to operate the facility.

Judge Saucedo has maintained constant communication with the County Sheriff, a monitor for the county who will advise the county of other alternatives to run the facility, but, "I wanted to let the community know that we are on top of everything we are aware of the situation and at the same time we're with whatever financial team we have to make sure we can get done what we need to get done." 

Judge Saucedo was asked about the $35,000,000.00 debt that is owed on that facility and he assured reporters that the debt lies with GEO, their bond holders and not Maverick County.  

GEO pays the county $33,000.00 per month for the facility and there are 125 employees whose livelihoods are in the balance at this time.   $400,000.00 were the funds that would come to the county on a yearly basis which were included in the budget for the next fiscal year.  

"GEO will not close, we call it GEO it will not be called that any more, I spoke to Mario Pelayo, and federal prisoners will continue to come, Luis De Los Santos will continue to function as the monitor of the facility.  We will take over the facility, I do not see it as a problem, I consider it a challenge, but we are ready for it."