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Liberty police say station is overcrowded, asks voters to approve tax. See inside

On Tuesday, Liberty voters will decide if the city will raise sales taxes by one percent per dollar for projects meant to improve public safety.

The Star attended one of two police tours, led by Captain Nathan Mulch, at the Liberty Police station.

The police station will remain in its current location inside of the City Hall building. Originally built in 1981, the police station is 10,985 square feet. If the tax is approved, it will triple in size.

Officers said the police station is not up to par with the surrounding cities.

Captain Nathan Mulch of the Liberty Police Department talks to a group of Liberty residents prior to conducting a tour of the department’s current facility. On April 8, Liberty voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to support first responders. If approved, the tax would generate $7.5 million for salaries, a police facility expansion, and future equipment purchases.
Captain Nathan Mulch of the Liberty Police Department talks to a group of Liberty residents prior to conducting a tour of the department’s current facility. On April 8, Liberty voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to support first responders. If approved, the tax would generate $7.5 million for salaries, a police facility expansion, and future equipment purchases. Monty Davis madavis@kcstar.com

The current police station lacks privacy for people to make police reports, storage space and updated cells, according to police officials. Many officers share office spaces, and documents are stored wherever there are open spaces, said Mulch.

Captain Nathan Mulch of the Liberty Police Department leads a tour showing the crowded space in the department’s current space. On April 8, Liberty voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to support first responders. If approved, the tax would generate $7.5 million for salaries, a police facility expansion, and future equipment purchases.
Captain Nathan Mulch of the Liberty Police Department leads a tour showing the crowded space in the department’s current space. On April 8, Liberty voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to support first responders. If approved, the tax would generate $7.5 million for salaries, a police facility expansion, and future equipment purchases. Monty Davis madavis@kcstar.com

The new station would expand out onto Missouri Street, for the extra space.

If approved, the tax would provide an additional $7.5 million: $6 million would go towards salaries and benefits for police and firefighters, with $1.5 million annually through bonds for the renovated station, and the remaining costs going towards equipment.

Captain Nathan Mulch of the Liberty Police Department tours a closet used by the SWAT team to store equipment. On April 8, Liberty voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to support first responders. If approved, the tax would generate $7.5 million for salaries, a police facility expansion, and future equipment purchases.
Captain Nathan Mulch of the Liberty Police Department tours a closet used by the SWAT team to store equipment. On April 8, Liberty voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to support first responders. If approved, the tax would generate $7.5 million for salaries, a police facility expansion, and future equipment purchases. Monty Davis madavis@kcstar.com

The question will appear on the ballot as follows:

Shall the City of Liberty, Missouri be authorized to increase its general sales tax by one percent for the purpose of providing funds for funding costs of public safety, including the construction of a police facility?

While giving a tour of the Liberty Police Department Jail, Captain Nathan Mulch describes the inadequate space to house inmates. On April 8, Liberty voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to support first responders. If approved, the tax would generate $7.5 million for salaries, a police facility expansion, and future equipment purchases.
While giving a tour of the Liberty Police Department Jail, Captain Nathan Mulch describes the inadequate space to house inmates. On April 8, Liberty voters will decide on a one-cent sales tax increase to support first responders. If approved, the tax would generate $7.5 million for salaries, a police facility expansion, and future equipment purchases. Monty Davis madavis@kcstar.com


This story was originally published April 6, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

AT
Alecia Taylor
The Kansas City Star
Alecia Taylor was The Star’s Northland watchdog reporter covering Platte and Clay counties until Summer 2025. Before joining The Star in September 2024, she covered education at the Miami Herald and the Chronicle of Higher Education. She is a graduate of Howard University and a Wyandotte County native.
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