The tax agency said Monday that community and advocacy groups such as the AARP and United Way of America will also make special efforts on that day to ensure that people who don't ordinarily file tax returns don't miss out on the payment.

Under the stimulus act, people are eligible to receive at least $300, with married couples getting $600. Many households also can get an additional $300 for each qualifying child younger than 17.

But now technicians, sales people, firefighters and a vast number of other mobile workers view the cellphone as a critical tool, not a company perk.

The council last week voted 3-1 for the program, which is a scaled-down version of a proposal offered last summer by County Executive Aaron Reardon. Councilman Mike Cooper voted no, saying he had too many unanswered questions and wanted to delay the decision, and Councilman John Koster was absent.

Reardon's office also urged the council to delay its vote. Executive Director Deanna Dawson conveyed Reardon's wish that "slum lords" and businesses with adequate financial resources be held responsible for timely cleanup of graffiti on their properties. Reardon had proposed fines for delinquent property owners.