Whole Maine town forced to close after its only clerk quits over denied vacation

The one clerk in a small Maine town resigned after the board of selectmen denied her vacation request.

Christen Bouchard was the city clerk in Passadumkeag, Maine, since 2020. She requested a two-week trip a few month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that nobody was available to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The town has had nobody to register vehicles, preserve essential records, or communicate with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of town clerk isn’t the only essential opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 folks also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a college administration official, according to The Bangor Each day Information.

The town office shut all the way 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 few days a week to just accept funds on things equivalent to taxes,” the assertion read. “Please name the office earlier than heading out to do any business here as there are no designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to gather tax funds. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was liable for.

It’s unclear when the town will have the ability to fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, city residents rejected a price range article meant to fund town operations after town officers didn't adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary enhance. The price range article also did not embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity beneath Maine regulation.

City officials mentioned that they are finding it tough to fill the open posts due to monetary uncertainties. Additionally it is due to the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she mentioned she typically worked more — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“We've been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we are able to to get our city back in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

“I do believe in time with the crew we've, we'll get Passadumkeag again so as and looking out good, but it will take a bit and is going to be a challenge for positive.”

For the time being, the folks of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to perform basic governmental duties. It consists of getting registering their vehicles within the close by municipality of Howland.