Webb County Weighs Leasing Former Bank Facility
A Laredo businessman has proposed leasing a former bank building to the county as a potential public-service payment hub instead of constructing a new facility.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Commercial
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Should Webb County lease an existing building rather than build a new county facility?
A Laredo businessman presented county leaders earlier this week with a proposal to lease an approximately 8,000-square-foot former bank facility for county use. Commissioners did not take action or respond to the proposal during the presentation.
Why it matters
The proposal argues that leasing would allow Webb County to begin operations immediately without the cost, delays and overruns associated with construction. It also suggests a centralized location for residents to pay county taxes, city utility bills and school district taxes.
The proposed property includes about 3 acres, 12 drive-through lanes, 75 parking spaces and an existing vault and safe-deposit box system. The county previously paid $4.25 million for the nearly 15-acre Casa Blanca property, which is being used for events while the fairgrounds pavilion is renovated.
The players
Webb County
A South Texas county whose commissioners court oversees county government and is considering the proposal.
The details
The proposed site sits at Hillside, McPherson and Oklahoma Street, beside a restaurant. The property is not currently for sale but is available for lease, and the proposal would have the county lease it rather than purchase or build a facility.
Timeline
Earlier this week: the leasing proposal was presented to county leaders.
Estimated 18 to 36 months: time needed to acquire a site, design and build an equivalent facility.
Market Context
The county's $4.25 million purchase of the nearly 15-acre Casa Blanca property was an earlier commitment to a future public-service hub. The current leasing proposal offers a faster, lower-capital alternative to building that kind of facility from scratch.
If the county adopts the leasing approach, residents could gain a centralized location to pay county taxes, city utility bills and school district taxes. The proposal specifically notes accessibility for older residents and those who use drive-through service.
The takeaway
Leasing an existing building can offer a faster path to public services than construction, though its long-term cost and suitability depend on lease terms still to be determined. Residents interested in the outcome can follow future commissioners court decisions.
Further reading
Explore more Commercial real estate coverage in Laredo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Laredo Morning Times.
Live Poll
Should Webb County lease an existing building rather than build a new county facility?
