Heated Exchange at Community Meeting Raises Concerns Over City’s Budget and Tax Increase
Liberty, March 3, 2025 — Tensions flared at a recent community meeting at the Liberty Community Center, where discussions over the proposed new Police Building and looming property tax increases sparked a confrontation between local resident Carrie Lonsdale and Mayor Greg Canuteson.
The meeting, which was attended by several community members, including Bill Moberly and an unnamed witness, was meant to provide updates on the upcoming Police Building project. However, the conversation quickly turned to the city's fiscal issues, particularly concerns over property tax hikes and the city’s spending practices.
Lonsdale, an army veteran and mother of four, became vocal when discussion moved to a tax increase slated for the next year. While listening to Mayor Canuteson speak, Lonsdale says she was caught off guard when the mayor looked at her and told her to "wipe the smirk off your face."
The comment sparked an immediate response from Lonsdale, who was visibly upset by the mayor's tone. "I exploded," she said, recalling how she stood up for herself and told the mayor he was "out of his lane" and needed to "get back in his lane." She also reminded him that he was an elected official who could be voted out of office.
The exchange escalated, and Lonsdale was asked to leave the room, though she refused. "I wasn’t going anywhere," she said, adding that the mayor’s comments were uncalled for.
Both Lonsdales has been an outspoken critics of the city’s financial management, particularly in light of the recent use of COVID relief funds to cover deficits in the Public Safety Fund. "They've been overspending, and now taxpayers are expected to pick up the bill," she said, citing concerns over the city's budget, which has a deficit in the Water Fund and an overburdened Public Safety Tax.
According to Carrie, her son, Chris Lonsdale a state representative who had opposed the Activity Center tax increase in 2024, was reportedly told by individuals connected to the mayor last year that he would be fundraising for his opponent due to his opposition to the Activity Center tax increase. Chris went on to lose his race last November.
The issue of fiscal responsibility was a central point in Lonsdale's argument, as she questioned why the city had failed to address the growing budget issues earlier, opting instead to use federal funds without creating a sustainable plan. "They kept spending money instead of planning for this, and now it's an emergency," Lonsdale stated.
Liberty, March 3, 2025 — Tensions flared at a recent community meeting at the Liberty Community Center, where discussions over the proposed new Police Building and looming property tax increases sparked a confrontation between local resident Carrie Lonsdale and Mayor Greg Canuteson.
The meeting, which was attended by several community members, including Bill Moberly and an unnamed witness, was meant to provide updates on the upcoming Police Building project. However, the conversation quickly turned to the city's fiscal issues, particularly concerns over property tax hikes and the city’s spending practices.
Lonsdale, an army veteran and mother of four, became vocal when discussion moved to a tax increase slated for the next year. While listening to Mayor Canuteson speak, Lonsdale says she was caught off guard when the mayor looked at her and told her to "wipe the smirk off your face."
The comment sparked an immediate response from Lonsdale, who was visibly upset by the mayor's tone. "I exploded," she said, recalling how she stood up for herself and told the mayor he was "out of his lane" and needed to "get back in his lane." She also reminded him that he was an elected official who could be voted out of office.
The exchange escalated, and Lonsdale was asked to leave the room, though she refused. "I wasn’t going anywhere," she said, adding that the mayor’s comments were uncalled for.
Lonsdale has been an outspoken critic of the city’s financial management, particularly in light of the recent use of COVID relief funds to cover deficits in the Public Safety Fund. "They've been overspending, and now taxpayers are expected to pick up the bill," she said, citing concerns over the city's budget, which has a deficit in the Water Fund and an overburdened Public Safety Tax.
According to Carrie, her son, Chris Lonsdale a state representative who had also opposed the Activity Center tax increase in 2024, was reportedly told by individuals connected to the mayor last year that he would be fundraising for his opponent due to his opposition to the Activity Center tax increase. Chris went on to lose his race last November.
The issue of fiscal responsibility was a central point in Lonsdale's argument, as she questioned why the city had failed to address the growing budget issues earlier, opting instead to use federal funds without creating a sustainable plan. "They kept spending money instead of planning for this, and now it's an emergency," Lonsdale stated.
A major issue Lonsdale is highlighting is the increasing financial burden placed on residents due to the Public Safety Tax. The tax was originally approved to fund salaries for police and fire personnel, but Lonsdale points out that since the tax’s implementation, 16 new positions have been created — including nine additional positions that cost taxpayers an estimated $360,000. "This is not what we supported the tax for," Lonsdale stated. "Why were these positions added without our consent?"
Also at issue was the fact that the 2025 budget was not made public on the city website until last week rather than the first week in January. Sources that claim to be familiar the city's financial situation claim that Liberty’s budget, which totals $30 million this year, is essentially spent with little room for additional expenses. Lonsdale and other critics argue that the city's spending habits mirror those of the federal government — excessive, lacking oversight, and dangerously opaque.
The city's proposed police building has many residents, including Lonsdale, questioning whether it’s an appropriate time to push for new expenditures when basic services, such as police and fire departments, are facing funding shortages.
As the debate over the city’s finances and tax increases intensifies, the local government faces growing scrutiny from residents who feel their concerns are being dismissed.
Lonsdale, a member of the Central Committee for the Clay County GOP, remains determined to keep speaking out. "I’ve been talking with many people. The city has the money; they’re just not doing what they should with it," she said. "It’s time for real change."
When reached for comment Mayor Canuteson responded that Carrie Lonsdale's accusations are baseless attacks but noted that he is not providing any response to the matter on social media.
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