The Mathews County Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt its FY 2022-2023 budget when it meets at 6 o’clock Tuesday in the Harry M. Ward Auditorium at Mathews High School.

The public had one last opportunity to let the board know its thoughts on the proposed $30.97 million budget that will take effect on July 1 at a public hearing last Wednesday at the MHS auditorium.

Those arriving last Wednesday were in for a bit of a surprise. Mathews County Sheriff Mark Barrick and his deputies greeted people at the entry door and swept each attendee with a security wand to prevent any weapons from being carried in. No bags were allowed, including women’s purses.

Board chair Paul Hudgins explained after the meeting that he had put security precautions in place because of the “hot topics” that the board is expected to deal with at upcoming meetings, including the Confederate monument and the Hole in the Wall restaurant. He made reference to recent shootings across the nation, saying, “...