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Tulare council votes to display 'In God We Trust' behind dais after split public debate
Summary
After public comment and a split discussion, Tulare City Council voted 5–0 to relocate or display the national motto, "In God We Trust," on the wall behind the council dais and to move the city seal to a lower position; councilors and public commenters gave contrasting reasons for and against the change.
The Tulare City Council debated whether to place the national motto "In God We Trust" behind the council dais during the July 7 meeting and ultimately voted to display the motto and relocate the city seal.
Supporters—including Vice Mayor Steve Harrell and Council member Harold (label 15)—argued the motto is a national phrase seen in federal and municipal spaces and that placing it behind the dais is an appropriate recognition of civic heritage; one council member offered to have the public pay for the installation. A resident who joined remotely urged the council to reject the proposal, saying it would be a poor use of attention while the city is considering a possible tax increase and other pressing priorities.
Council member Segala reiterated that a prior council had adopted a resolution regarding the motto in 2009 and that placement and display logistics should be handled publicly and with multiple design options. City staff recommended the council vote conceptually to relocate the motto and then direct staff to bring design options, cost estimates and vendor quotes for public review. The council voted 5–0 to display the motto behind the dais and to move the city seal to a lower position, and directed staff to prepare design options and follow procurement rules for implementation.
The vote followed public comment both for and against the change and a discussion about whether the motto’s display could affect perceptions around upcoming ballot measures; council members asked staff to seek multiple local quotes and to advertise options before final installation.
