Hastings council approves resolution to display 'In God We Trust' on city property after extended public comment

Hastings City Council approved Resolution 2025-20 requiring certain city-owned facilities open to the public to display the phrase “In God We Trust” alongside the city logo at its regular meeting after extended public comment and council debate.

The resolution, introduced in the council packet as “requiring certain city property that is open to the public to display the phrase, In God We Trust, and the city logo,” was moved by Councilmember Anderson and seconded by Councilmember Larry Konsbrook. The council deliberated after more than two dozen members of the public addressed the measure during the citizen comment period.

The debate centered on whether the phrase is a patriotic, ceremonial motto or a government endorsement of religion and on who should pay for any signs. Supporters argued the phrase is the nation’s motto and a unifying patriotic symbol; opponents said it could alienate nonbelievers and religious minorities and raised First Amendment and fiscal concerns. Several speakers urged the council to delay the decision to allow broader public review and to get cost estimates and operational input from city departments.

Residents who spoke in favor included Stephanie Shade, a Hastings resident, who said the motto would “remind us all of the privilege it is to live in a place where God given rights are protected.” Pastor and resident Reverend Benahanna said the motto is “a sacred expression of my faith” and argued against reducing religious language to government symbolism. Darren Fowler, publisher of the Hastings Tribune, told the council he supports local events and offered context on private fundraising for civic projects.

Opponents included Moses Rhodes, who urged the council to reject the signage as a violation of separation of church and state and said the city should prioritize issues such as housing and transportation. Andrew McCarty, who identified himself as a member of the Hastings Public Schools board, told councilors the school board had rejected a similar proposal last year and warned against setting a precedent for privately funded but government-approved messaging. Several other residents urged the council to hold a public work session and solicit broader input before adopting a policy that could be applied across many facilities.

Members of the council also expressed differing views on process and cost. Multiple councilors and public commenters noted the resolution’s Section 2 leaves design, size and placement to the mayor; speakers repeatedly asked for an estimate of the expense and for clarity on whether private donations would be accepted or whether maintenance would fall to city budgets. City staff said no firm cost estimate was available at the time of the vote.

Council discussion touched on local practice and precedent: speakers noted the phrase appears on U.S. currency and in some federal and county facilities, and opponents cited legal challenges over similar displays in other jurisdictions. The council heard from staff during the meeting but several council members said they wished departments responsible for maintenance had been consulted in advance.

After deliberation the council voted to approve Resolution 2025-20. The motion was moved by Councilmember Anderson and seconded by Councilmember Larry Konsbrook; the record in the meeting transcript indicates the motion passed but does not include a roll-call tally in the transcript excerpts provided.

The resolution directs display of the phrase and the city logo on specified city property; it leaves design, size and placement to the mayor and does not specify initial installation funding in the ordinance language in the meeting packet. Some speakers at the meeting said private donors had offered to cover costs; councilors and staff said no written donation commitments were on file at the time of the vote.

The council’s action concludes this agenda item; staff will be responsible for implementation details, including whether signs will be purchased with city funds or by private donation and which city locations will be included. Council members and staff said at the meeting that those operational questions and cost estimates would be addressed after the resolution’s passage.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2025-20 — Motion to approve the resolution to require display of “In God We Trust” and the city logo on certain public city property; mover: Councilmember Anderson; second: Councilmember Larry Konsbrook; outcome: approved (vote tally not specified in transcript).