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Ocean View solicitor: adding religious holiday displays would require a formal town policy and multi‑religion representation
Summary
Town solicitor advised at the March 3 budget workshop that adding non‑secular (religious) displays to town seasonal decorations would require at least three displays representing different religions and the displays must be owned, rented or leased by the town; staff will introduce a policy for unattended displays on March 10.
Council members discussed a late request to add religious‑themed displays to Ocean View’s seasonal decorations. Staff said the town solicitor advised that if the town adds non‑secular displays, it should include no fewer than three displays representing at least three different religions and the displays must be owned, rented or leased by the town rather than provided by outside groups.
Staff has obtained pricing for three static displays and recommended adding them to the existing Trail of Lights at John West Park if council wants to proceed. The presenter said the solicitor also recommended a new policy that would set rules for unattended displays on town property; staff will introduce that policy for council consideration on March 10.
Council members expressed concern about cost and complexity, and one member said the town should keep decorations secular to avoid needing multiple religious displays and the related expense. The discussion was advisory; no vote occurred at the workshop and staff said funding can remain in the budget while further direction is provided at the March 10 meeting.
