Whole Maine city compelled to shut after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

The one clerk in a small Maine city resigned after the board of selectmen denied her trip request.

Christen Bouchard was the city 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 city has had no one to register vehicles, hold essential information, or talk with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of city clerk isn’t the only vital opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 folks additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a college administration official, according to The Bangor Day by day Information.

The city workplace shut down to in-person visitors until additional discover, in accordance with an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer can be in a few days every week to accept payments on issues similar to taxes,” the statement read. “Please name the workplace before 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 payments. Still, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was responsible for.

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

City officials mentioned that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts because of financial uncertainties. It is usually because of the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours every week — although she mentioned she often labored extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per year.

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

“I do imagine in time with the crew we've, we are going to get Passadumkeag again in order and looking out good, but it will take a bit and is going to be a problem for sure.”

In the intervening time, the folks of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out basic governmental duties. It includes getting registering their automobiles in the close by municipality of Howland.