Whole Maine town compelled to shut after its only clerk quits over denied vacation

The only clerk in a small Maine city resigned after the board of selectmen denied her trip request.

Christen Bouchard was the city clerk in Passadumkeag, Maine, since 2020. She requested a two-week trip a couple of month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was out there to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The city has had nobody to register automobiles, keep crucial data, or talk with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of city clerk isn’t the only necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 folks also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a college administration official, in line with The Bangor Day by day News.

The town office shut right down to in-person guests until additional notice, in keeping with a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a couple of days per week to just accept funds on issues akin to taxes,” the statement read. “Please call the office earlier than heading out to do any enterprise here as there aren't any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to collect tax payments. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was chargeable for.

It’s unclear when the town will have the ability to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, city residents rejected a price range article meant to fund city operations after town officers did not adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage improve. The finances article also did not embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity beneath Maine law.

Town officers stated that they're finding it tough to fill the open posts on account of monetary uncertainties. Additionally it is because of the town’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she mentioned she often worked more — and was paid just $13,500 per year.

“We have now been left with a multitude from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we will to get our town back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

“I do imagine in time with the group we have now, we'll get Passadumkeag back in order and looking good, however it will take a bit and goes to be a challenge for sure.”

For the time being, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out elementary governmental tasks. It consists of getting registering their vehicles within the nearby municipality of Howland.