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

The single 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 vacation a couple of month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that nobody was out there to step in for her.

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

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

The town office shut all the way down to in-person guests till additional discover, based on an announcement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will be in a couple of days a week to accept funds on things comparable to taxes,” the assertion learn. “Please call the workplace earlier than heading out to do any enterprise here as there are not any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the office to gather tax funds. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake most of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was accountable 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 funds article meant to fund town operations after city officers did not adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage improve. The funds article also didn't embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity below Maine law.

City officials mentioned that they're finding it difficult to fill the open posts because of financial uncertainties. It is also due to the city’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she said she usually labored extra — and was paid just $13,500 per year.

“We have been left with a multitude from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we are able to to get our town again in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

“I do imagine in time with the staff now we have, we will get Passadumkeag again so as and looking out good, however it should take a bit and goes to be a problem for certain.”

In the meanwhile, the folks of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out elementary governmental duties. It contains getting registering their cars within the close by municipality of Howland.