RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) - Computer giant Hewlett-Packard has paid the city of Rio Ranch after not fulfilling a hiring agreement made in exchange for $2 million in incentives.
The Albuquerque Journal reports (https://bit.ly/1aPVexP) city councilors say the California-based company has paid $60,217 for not employing enough people at its Rio Rancho customer support center.
City officials say in 2009, Hewlett-Packard promised to employ at least 1,350 full-time workers after 2012. In return, HP would receive land and building incentives. A provision called for payment if the threshold wasn’t met.
The city says HP only averaged 800 workers last year.
HP spokeswoman Sarah Pompei says the company is committed to the communities in which their employees live.
City councilors say the city needs to diversify its economic base rather than rely on large corporations.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, https://www.abqjournal.com
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