Lowe’s to get $300,000 in public funds for call center

The Bernalillo County Commission approved $150,000 in funds for Lowe's to open its new call center in Albuquerque, according to an article in the New Mexico Business Weekly.

The funds have been set aside to renovate a 63,000-sq.-ft. building Lowe’s will occupy, a former AOL call center and later a Convergys call center. The money comes from the state's Local Economic Development Act and is in addition to $150,000 from the state Economic Development Department.

Last December, the Bernalillo County Commission also approved an industrial revenue bond issue of up to $16 million, which will allow Lowe’s to abate certain taxes. The term of the IRB is eight years, so if Lowe's does not complete the work or it closes before the end of that time, the firm would have to pay back any abated taxes.

At the time, Lowe’s promised to bring hundreds of customer support jobs to Albuquerque, reaching 600 by the end of 2013. The salaries will range from $12 to $15 an hour for starting agents, and more for managers or those with more experience. Health benefits are available.