Entire Maine town pressured to shut after its only clerk quits over denied vacation

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

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

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

The place of city clerk isn’t the only necessary 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, in keeping with The Bangor Each day News.

The town workplace shut all the way down to in-person guests until additional notice, in line with a statement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer might be in a few days a week to just accept funds on issues corresponding to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please call the workplace earlier than heading out to do any business here as there are not any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to collect tax payments. Still, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was responsible for.

It’s unclear when the town will be able to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, city residents rejected a price range article meant to fund city operations after city officials did not adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage improve. The funds article additionally didn't embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine regulation.

Town officials mentioned that they're finding it tough to fill the open posts resulting from financial uncertainties. It's also because of the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she mentioned she typically worked extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“We've got been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we will to get our town again in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie said.

“I do consider in time with the crew we have, we will get Passadumkeag back so as and searching good, however it's going to take a bit and goes to be a problem for sure.”

In the interim, the people of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out elementary governmental obligations. It consists of getting registering their cars within the close by municipality of Howland.