Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I found it interesting that our Mathews County Board of Supervisors was able to approve the first draft of the proposed budget after a mere one-hour work session.

Although we should be thankful for their public service, it’s only fair that more time and consideration be given to a budget upon which thousands of citizens and numerous organizations rely.

In stark contrast, the Mathews School Board has spent many hours on their budget this year. Not only did they listen to and consider public comment, they also discussed thoughts and ideas during meetings.

Their schedule included several work sessions and allowed public input as early as December. Their meetings were full of discussion of opposing ideas and possible solutions. In the end, they had flushed out a list of priorities even in this “preliminary” stage. They too are not given an exact dollar amount until later, and this is one of the many reasons why a budget is an ongoing process.
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