Polk County Commissioners decided last week to allow “In God We Trust” lettering on at least the Womack building.

The county met on July 20 and unanimously approved allowing US Motto Action Committee to install the lettering.

Rick Lanier, co-founder and vice chairman of US Motto Action Committee joined commissioners and made a presentation.

“This is an invitation to join the growing list of cities and counties that are ‘voting yes’ to proudly and prominently displaying our national motto, In God We Trust, in and on their governmental buildings,” Lanier said.

Lanier said there are currently 49 North Carolina municipalities and 32 counties who have approved displaying “In God We Trust” on their buildings and a yes vote from Polk would mark 1/3 of the state’s counties.

Lanier said so far the organization has not been turned down by any county or town hall.

US Motto Action Committee raises its own funds and would provide the lettering to the county’s buildings.

“Displaying the motto gives ceremonial honor to public occasions and expresses confidence in our society,” Lanier said. “These words have been used on US currency since 1864. This inspiring slogan is engraved above the entrance of the US Senate Chamber as well as above the speaker’s seat in the US House of Representatives. On July 30, 1956, during the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration, the U.S. Congress adopted ‘In God We Trust’ as the official national motto of the United States of America. Thus, displaying our motto is a legal right, protected by the first amendment.”

Lanier requested the motto be placed on the county’s Womack building as well as the courthouse.

County manager Marche Pittman said his only concern is if the motto would affect the historical designation of the courthouse.

Commissioner vice chair Keith Holbert, who made the motion to place the motto on the buildings, amended his motion to place “In God We Trust” on the front of the Womack building and for the county to research if the motto can be placed on the courthouse building.

Commissioner Ray Gasperson, who abstained from voting to approve the motto on county buildings, which counts as an affirmative vote, asked Lanier whether his organization is a nonprofit.

Lanier said they are probably 30 days from obtaining nonprofit status.

Gasperson said he thinks it might mean a lot to Polk citizens if the funds for the lettering were raised by area residents.

“That way we’d fully know who had donated to this cause,” said Gasperson.

Lanier said in other communities, once approved, the organization reaches out to the local community for donations.

Gasperson said another issue is that the county doesn’t have a policy on accepting gifts.

Commissioner chair Tom Pack said coming up with a policy to accept gifts needs to be discussed at another meeting.

Gasperson said he would like to see the item tabled and he’s thought long and hard on the issue. He said is he going to vote for it.

“Frankly I’d be unpatriotic not to vote for it,” he said.

Gasperson said he wished the organization had better fiscal paperwork to show the county and it does make him feel uneasy.

Pack said he does not have a problem accepting the gift.