Entire Maine city forced to shut after its only clerk quits over denied trip

The only clerk in a small Maine city 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 obtainable to step in for her.

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

The position of city clerk isn’t the only vital opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 people also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a college administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Daily News.

The city workplace shut right down to in-person guests till further notice, according to a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer might be in a few days per week to accept funds on issues corresponding to taxes,” the statement read. “Please call the workplace earlier than heading out to do any business here as there are not any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the office to collect tax funds. Still, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was chargeable for.

It’s unclear when the city will be capable of fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, town residents rejected a funds article meant to fund town operations after town officials didn't adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The budget article additionally did not embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity beneath Maine regulation.

Town officials mentioned that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts due to monetary uncertainties. Additionally it is as a result of city’s small population, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she stated she often labored extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per 12 months.

“We've been left with a multitude from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we will to get our town back in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie said.

“I do consider in time with the workforce we have now, we will get Passadumkeag again in order and searching good, but it'll take a bit and goes to be a challenge for positive.”

For the time being, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out elementary governmental obligations. It includes getting registering their cars in the close by municipality of Howland.