Whole Maine town compelled to close 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 couple of 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 city has had nobody to register autos, preserve essential data, or communicate with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of town clerk isn’t the only necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 individuals additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a faculty administration official, according to The Bangor Day by day News.

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

“The Treasurer might be in a couple of days a week to just accept payments on things equivalent to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please call the workplace earlier than heading out to do any business right here as there aren't any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to gather tax funds. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register autos, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was accountable for.

It’s unclear when the city will be capable to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, town residents rejected a finances article meant to fund city operations after city officers failed to adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed wage increase. The price range article also did not embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity beneath Maine law.

City officials mentioned that they're finding it tough to fill the open posts resulting from financial uncertainties. It is also due to the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she stated she usually labored more — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“We've got been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as much as we will to get our town again so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do imagine in time with the group we've got, we'll get Passadumkeag back so as and looking good, but it will take a bit and goes to be a challenge for certain.”

For the time being, the folks of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental responsibilities. It contains getting registering their cars in the close by municipality of Howland.