Some residents will spend tax rebate, some will save it

It costs Richard Schnuerle $100 to fill the tank on his diesel pickup.

So when the retired Bonners Ferry mechanic gets his $300 tax rebate from the federal government, Schnuerle is considering two options for the money. Fuel up his rig three times or put the money toward building his cabin. He’d prefer to do the latter.

“I have another truck I can drive,” the 74-year-old said.

Schnuerle represents taxpayers from nearly 130 million households across the United States, who beginning on Monday, were mailed their economic-stimulus tax rebates. The program is geared at helping people cope with lofty energy and food prices while giving the U.S. economy a jolt.

Rebates range from $300 to $1,200 and are the centerpiece of the government’s $168 billion stimulus package enacted in February to brace the teetering economy.

Nearly 7.7 million Americans will receive their tax rebates by direct deposit. The Internal Revenue Service will start mailing additional checks on May 9. All checks for those who filed tax returns on time are scheduled to be deposited or mailed by July 11.

Bonners Ferry’s Mark Collyer claims he won’t have a say on how he and his wife will spend their $600 rebate.

“I don’t have any idea what my wife’s going to do with it,” Collyer joked.

The 76-year-old retired Bonners Ferry businessman isn’t sure about the effectiveness of the government program.

“I don’t think it’s gonna do that good,” Collyer said.

Bill Clark plans to buy a membership to Mirror Lake Golf Course in Bonners Ferry with his rebate.

“Last year my wife gave it (the membership) to me for my birthday,” said Clark, a 71-year-old retired construction worker.

Local cattle rancher and clerical worker Mickie Lefebvre said she plans to save her $300 rebate.

“That’s how I handle my money,” Lefebvre said Monday while at Panhandle Restaurant. “If it’s put away, I won’t spend it needlessly.”

She also isn’t so sure about the program’s effectiveness.

“I think the money could’ve been put two better use, like the government debt or to bring our troops home sooner,” Lefebvre said.

Panhandle waitress Karen Price plans to save her $300 for a trip to Wisconsin to visit family. Price, 40, plans to take the train there this summer.