Entire Maine town forced to close after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

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 vacation a few 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 no one to register vehicles, hold essential 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 city of 356 folks also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a faculty administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Daily News.

The city workplace shut down to in-person guests till further notice, in response to an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a couple of days a week to accept funds on things akin to taxes,” the assertion 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 funds. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was responsible for.

It’s unclear when the town will be capable of fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. 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 budget article additionally did not embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine legislation.

Town officers said that they are finding it tough to fill the open posts resulting from monetary uncertainties. Additionally it is as a result of 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 stated she often worked more — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“We have been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as much as we will to get our city again in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

“I do believe in time with the workforce we have, we are going to get Passadumkeag again in order and searching good, however it can take a bit and goes to be a problem for sure.”

In the interim, the people of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to perform fundamental governmental responsibilities. It includes getting registering their cars in the nearby municipality of Howland.