VALDOSTA — The words “economic stimulus” provoke both smiles and frowns from just about anyone whose ears receive that transmission nowadays.

But they also draw furrowed brows of confusion to many a face when queried about the federal program aimed at bolstering the economy by giving money to spend to those of us who qualify.

When will I get my money? How much will I get? Will it be taxed? Do I have to write it off as income on my next year’s income tax return? Should I save it or buy that new flat screen TV I’ve always wanted with it?

Residents polled last week at the Valdosta Mall and a local music equipment store had wide and varied opinions on the program. Many said it’s a great idea but the government needs to send more money. Others said they have already made plans for how to spend it when it comes.

And a few offered up some feisty responses that could grow hair on a bald man.

Asked for his opinion, Valdostan Raymond Bell, who was hovering over a healthy looking submarine sandwich at the mall food court, offered this response.

“You want to talk about economic stimulus? Have a seat then,” Bell invited. Then he unleashed.

“I am thinking about mailing my check back when I get it,” Bell said. “I am opposed to the rebate. It is a redistribution of wealth in this country. I think they are trying to buy votes.”

That was just for starters.

“To make that worse, they had to borrow the money to pay it out, and with our federal deficit as large as it is, that’s just crazy,” Bell continued. “We have the poorest leadership in our government since the days of Herbert Hoover. They are inept.”

Bell, who said he is a retired businessman, said he had no idea how much he’s supposed to get back or when it is supposed to arrive.

“If I get anything, I’ll probably save it towards paying next year’s income taxes. But I am really thinking about mailing that check right back to them,” he said.

Bell wasn’t alone in his sentiments. But more folks than not said they’ll keep the money. For those who wonder when it will arrive, consider the following information gathered from the Internal Revenue Service Web site at www.irs.gov, and see the chart included with this story to determine payment arrival dates:

“The Internal Revenue Service has begun to transfer economic stimulus payments to millions of Americans, some of whom already are seeing payments in their bank accounts,” the Web site says.

The IRS will issue payments of up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples) plus $300 for eligible children younger than 17, throughout the spring and summer. The first wave of payments will go to people who opted for direct deposit on their 2007 income tax returns.