By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com
GLADSTONE — A newly-elected member of Gladstone’s city council may not be able to take office after failing to pay her property taxes before the April 8 election.
The city of Gladstone released a statement Saturday that the recent election winner Molly Marie Gibson may not be able to take the council seat.
Gibson defeated the incumbent, Bill Garnos, 50.7% to 48.5%, April 8, but according to the city, she hadn’t paid her property taxes.
“After the election, it came to the city’s attention that Ms. Gibson had not paid her 2024 personal property taxes prior to the election, which included an outstanding balance owed to the city of Gladstone,” the city stated in the release.
According to Section 77.380, RSMo, and City Code Section 1.105.340 states “No person shall be elected or appointed to any office who shall at the time be in arrears for any unpaid city taxes, or forfeiture or defalcation in office.”
After consultation with legal counsel, the city’s understanding is that it does not have the authority to declare Gibson as elected to the office.
The city communicated this information directly with Gibson immediately upon becoming aware of the issue. Gibson was also encouraged to seek independent legal counsel, which she has done, according to the city.
“This is not a situation of the city’s making. The state law that disqualifies individuals with unpaid taxes from holding elected office has been in effect for decades. As a municipality, the city is obligated to uphold state law and does not have the authority to selectively enforce it. Additionally, the circumstances that have led to the application of this law were not initiated or influenced by the city. The city remains committed to maintaining professional and respectful communication throughout this process and supports a timely and appropriate legal resolution of this issue,” according to the city statement.
Gibson said she has paid her taxes. She said the city seems set on keeping Garnos on the council.
Gibson shared a statement that, in part, reads “… This is about more than one seat. It’s about whether the people of Gladstone get to choose their leaders — or whether those in power get to choose for them. Voters deserve better than backroom decisions and political games. The decision to ignore the election results and maintain the status quo sends a clear and troubling message to voters: your voice doesn’t matter. Gladstone residents showed up, made their choice, and called for change. Now, that choice is being stripped away to protect an entrenched incumbent. The community is watching — and the fight for fair representation is just beginning.”
When questioned by the Courier-Tribune, Gibson provided a copy of her tax receipt, dated April 14, or six days after her election.
Gladstone’s Communication Specialist Nikki Lansford said the city is unaware of this situation taking place before.
“The City Council has taken no formal action on this issue and remains committed to maintaining professional and respectful communication throughout this process and supports a timely and appropriate legal resolution of this issue,” Lansford said.
Garnos said he didn’t want to make a comment, especially in light of pending legal action.
This is a developing story. More will be shared as the details become available.
