The Mathews County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposed $39.77 million FY2025 county budget at 6 o’clock tonight, Thursday, April 18, in the historic courthouse.

The budget represents a $7.66 million increase over last year, with no tax increases proposed, leaving the real estate tax rate at $0.56 per $100 of assessed value, personal property at $3.70 per $100 of assessed value, boats at $1.45 per $100, and other classifications of personal property at $2.14 per $100.

Much of the increase in the budget is due to capital improvement projects, some of which will be grant-funded. The grant-funded projects include dredging at Hole in the Wall at the eastern side of Milford Haven for $3.2 million, dredging at Davis Creek in Bavon for $1.68 million, a $285,000 planning grant for the Main Street Enhancement project, and a $200,000 pending planning grant for Mathews Court House water system upgrades.

The budget also includes a transfer of $9.27 million from...