ROSWELL, N.M. – County officials in New Mexico have voted to close the Chaves County Juvenile Detention Center after making transfer agreements with nearby counties.

The Roswell Daily Record reported Thursday that Chaves County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to close the detention center Dec. 29.

County officials said they signed an agreement with Curry County on Nov. 5 to allow the transfer of youth offenders, saving more than $1 million a year.

Officials said Chaves County would still have about $219,000 in expenses to juvenile detentions because they still would pay facilities by day to hold their county youths.

Those who opposed the closure have raised concerns about separating youths from their communities and not providing them the same services.

Officials said juvenile facilities have closed from changing attitudes about detaining youths.