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Facility in Taylor must follow state and federal education guidelines; deal will expire in two years.
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By Lisa Ogle

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF


Tuesday, January 30, 2007

GEORGETOWN — Williamson County commissioners unanimously voted today to renew the county's contract with the owner of a controversial immigrant detention center in Taylor. The revised lease agreement with Corrections Corporation of America requires that the T. Don Hutto Residential Facility follow state and federal education guidelines when educating juvenile detainees. Under the Texas Education Code, school districts are required to provide students within their districts with seven hours of daily instruction 180 days a year. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently expanded daily instruction at the center from one hour to four hours per day.

The new contract also has a two-year limit and can be terminated in writing by either party without cause with 120 days' notice.


The controversial issue has gained national attention in recent months and drew at least a dozen concerned residents to the court's regular meeting this morning.

Some Williamson County residents and members of Texans United for Families, a coalition of community, civil rights and immigrant rights groups, have expressed outrage about the detention of families and children, saying it is immoral.

"I decided early on that it wasn't my place to get into the national debate," County Judge Dan A. Gattis said after court was adjourned. "Our concern was that (detainees) be treated fairly. Whether it's proper to detain them — that's a national decision."

The county still will receive $1 per day per detainee, which at the maximum capacity of 512 would amount to about $15,360 a month. Officials have not disclosed the number of immigrants being held in the facility.