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

The only clerk in a small Maine city 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 vacation a couple of month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that nobody was obtainable to step in for her.

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

The position of city clerk isn’t the one vital opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 people additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a college administration official, in line with The Bangor Day by day Information.

The city workplace shut down to in-person visitors till additional notice, in response to an announcement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer might be in a couple of days a week to simply accept funds on issues corresponding to taxes,” the statement read. “Please name 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. Still, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was responsible for.

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

Town officials mentioned that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts due to financial uncertainties. It's also because of the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she said she often worked more — and was paid just $13,500 per 12 months.

“Now we have been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as much as we are able to to get our city back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do imagine in time with the workforce we've got, we will get Passadumkeag back in order and looking good, but it can take a bit and goes to be a problem for sure.”

In the interim, the individuals of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and other municipalities to perform elementary governmental obligations. It contains getting registering their automobiles in the close by municipality of Howland.