Complete Maine city compelled to close after its only clerk quits over denied trip

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

Christen Bouchard was the town 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 no one was available to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The town has had no one to register automobiles, maintain crucial information, or communicate with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of city clerk isn’t the only vital opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 folks additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a faculty administration official, according to The Bangor Day by day Information.

The town workplace shut right down to in-person guests till further notice, in keeping with an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will probably be in a couple of days a week to just accept funds on issues similar to taxes,” the statement read. “Please call the workplace earlier than heading out to do any business right 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 autos, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake most of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was responsible for.

It’s unclear when the town will be capable to fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, city residents rejected a budget article meant to fund town operations after city officials didn't adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary enhance. The funds article additionally didn't include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity beneath Maine legislation.

City officers stated that they're finding it difficult to fill the open posts on account of monetary uncertainties. It's also as a result of city’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she said she usually labored extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“We've got been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we will to get our town back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do consider in time with the group now we have, we'll get Passadumkeag again in order and looking out good, however it'll take a bit and is going to be a problem for certain.”

In the meanwhile, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and other municipalities to perform fundamental governmental responsibilities. It includes getting registering their automobiles in the nearby municipality of Howland.