Entire Maine city compelled to close after its solely clerk quits over denied vacation

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 few month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was obtainable to step in for her.

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

The position of town clerk isn’t the one essential opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 individuals also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a faculty administration official, based on The Bangor Every day Information.

The town office shut right down to in-person guests till additional discover, based on an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer shall be in a few days per week to accept funds on things equivalent to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please call the workplace earlier than heading out to do any enterprise here as there aren't any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to collect tax payments. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake most of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was chargeable for.

It’s unclear when the city will be able to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, city residents rejected a price range article meant to fund town operations after town officials didn't adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary increase. The price range article also did not include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity underneath Maine law.

City officials said that they're finding it troublesome to fill the open posts attributable to monetary uncertainties. Additionally it is because of the city’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she mentioned she usually labored extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

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

“I do believe in time with the group we now have, we'll get Passadumkeag again in order and searching good, but it'll take a bit and is going to be a challenge for sure.”

For the time being, the individuals of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to perform fundamental governmental duties. It contains getting registering their vehicles within the close by municipality of Howland.