Complete Maine city compelled to shut after its solely 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 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 town has had no one to register automobiles, hold essential information, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of town clerk isn’t the only important opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 folks additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a school administration official, in line with The Bangor Daily News.

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

“The Treasurer will probably be in a few days per week to simply accept payments on issues such as taxes,” the assertion read. “Please call the office before heading out to do any business here as there aren't any 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 vehicles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was answerable for.

It’s unclear when the city will have the ability to fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, town residents rejected a budget article meant to fund city operations after city officers didn't adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed wage enhance. The price range article additionally didn't include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine legislation.

City officials said that they are discovering it troublesome to fill the open posts as a consequence of monetary uncertainties. It is also due to the city’s small population, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she stated she typically labored extra — and was paid just $13,500 per 12 months.

“We've been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we are able to to get our city again so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie said.

“I do consider in time with the crew we've, we'll get Passadumkeag again so as and searching good, but it would take a bit and is going to be a problem for sure.”

In the intervening time, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental obligations. It includes getting registering their vehicles within the close by municipality of Howland.