Whole Maine city compelled to shut after its solely 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 in the past. 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 town has had nobody to register autos, hold crucial records, 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 town of 356 folks additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a faculty administration official, in line with The Bangor Day by day News.

The city office shut right down to in-person guests till further discover, in accordance with a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer shall be in a few days a week to simply accept funds on things reminiscent of taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name the workplace earlier than heading out to do any enterprise 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 vehicles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was liable for.

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

City officers stated that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts attributable to 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 each week — though she mentioned she usually worked extra — and was paid just $13,500 per yr.

“Now 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 said.

“I do imagine in time with the staff we've got, we are going to get Passadumkeag again so as and looking out good, however it should take a bit and goes to be a challenge for certain.”

For the time being, the people of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to perform basic governmental obligations. It includes getting registering their cars in the close by municipality of Howland.