Total Maine town 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 town 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 available to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The town has had no one to register vehicles, hold essential data, or talk with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of town clerk isn’t the only necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 individuals also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a faculty administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Daily Information.

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

“The Treasurer will probably be in a few days every week to just accept funds on things akin to taxes,” the assertion read. “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 gather tax payments. Still, she is reportedly unable to register autos, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was answerable for.

It’s unclear when the town 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 city officials didn't adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage enhance. The finances article additionally did not embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity beneath Maine law.

Town officers said that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts as a result of financial uncertainties. Additionally it is 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 more — and was paid just $13,500 per year.

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

“I do believe in time with the group we've got, we will get Passadumkeag again in order and looking out good, however it's going to take a bit and is going to be a problem for positive.”

In the intervening time, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to perform elementary governmental tasks. It includes getting registering their cars within the close by municipality of Howland.