Total Maine town forced to close after its solely clerk quits over denied vacation

The only clerk in a small Maine town resigned after the board of selectmen denied her trip 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 city has had no one to register automobiles, maintain essential records, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

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

The town office shut right down to in-person guests till further discover, based on a statement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer might be in a couple of days a week to accept payments on things similar to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please call the office earlier than heading out to do any enterprise right here as there are no 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 automobiles, 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 town will be capable to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, city residents rejected a budget article meant to fund city operations after town officials failed to adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed wage improve. The finances article additionally did not embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine legislation.

Town officers said that they are finding it difficult to fill the open posts because of financial uncertainties. It is also because of the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours every week — although she mentioned she typically labored more — and was paid just $13,500 per 12 months.

“We have now been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as much as we will to get our town back in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do imagine in time with the crew we now have, we will get Passadumkeag again so as and looking out good, but it'll take a bit and goes to be a problem for positive.”

In the intervening time, the people of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental duties. It contains getting registering their automobiles within the nearby municipality of Howland.