Complete Maine city forced to shut after its solely clerk quits over denied vacation

The only clerk in a small Maine town 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 ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was accessible to step in for her.

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

The place of city clerk isn’t the only essential opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 individuals also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a faculty administration official, in line with The Bangor Day by day Information.

The city office shut right down to in-person guests till further notice, in accordance with a statement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will be in a couple of days a week to simply accept payments on things equivalent to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name the workplace earlier than heading out to do any enterprise right here as there aren't 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 lots of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was answerable for.

It’s unclear when the city will have the ability to fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, city residents rejected a budget article meant to fund town operations after city officials didn't adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage improve. The budget article also didn't embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine regulation.

City officials said that they're finding it tough to fill the open posts because of financial uncertainties. It is also as a result of town’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours every week — although she mentioned she often worked extra — and was paid just $13,500 per yr.

“Now we 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 workforce we've got, we will get Passadumkeag again so as and searching good, however it should take a bit and is going to be a challenge for positive.”

In the intervening time, the people of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to perform basic governmental obligations. It contains getting registering their cars within the close by municipality of Howland.