Harte Hanks Call Center in Oaklawn has been approved to receive $250,000 in incentives from the city of Texarkana, Texas.

The call center is located in a low-to-moderate income neighborhood. Economic developer Jerry Sparks says the company has had a positive impact on the area and helped them to push forth revitalization in the Rose Hill community.

"The incentive rewards are from our economic development fund are used to create and retain jobs in Texarkana."

Sparks says there are specifications for receiving the funds. Harte Hanks must have a payroll of 6 million dollars or 600 jobs and, until they hit that level, they won't be eligible for any incentive.

Sparks says the money comes from a portion of the franchise fee that is paid on electric and natural gas bills.

"We want to see those employers whose jobs help create other jobs. Harte Hanks again is an example that would help support retail, restaurants establishments in the Oaklawn area of Texarkana."

This is not the first time the company has been given an incentive reward. Harte Hanks received $400,000 after meeting requirements when it located to Texarkana in 2007.

The incentive helped create more than 550 new jobs. In the past., the funds have also paid for job training at Cooper Tire and Rubber Company on the Arkansas side.

The money has also been set aside every year for future rounds of base realignment and closure at the Red River Army Depot.

Louisiana residents are wondering if state government is giving away too much money.

Currently, there are more than 400 tax credits and exemptions on the books, some dating back to the 1930's.

Many believe that money could be better spent on funding hospitals, colleges and other state services.

A commission of legislators will begin reviewing and making recommendations on the incentive program next month.