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

The one 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 vacation a couple of month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that nobody was available to step in for her.

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

The place of town clerk isn’t the only essential opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 people also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a faculty administration official, according to The Bangor Every day News.

The town office shut down to in-person visitors till additional discover, according to a press release sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer can be in a few days a week to just accept payments on issues comparable to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name 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 workplace to collect tax payments. Still, she is reportedly unable to register autos, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the different 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 business. In March, town residents rejected a funds article meant to fund city operations after city officials failed to adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage enhance. The funds article additionally didn't embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine law.

City officers said that they're finding it difficult to fill the open posts because of financial uncertainties. It is usually due to the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours every week — although she mentioned she usually worked extra — and was paid just $13,500 per year.

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

“I do imagine in time with the team we have, we will get Passadumkeag again in order and looking out good, but it would take a bit and goes to be a problem for sure.”

In the meanwhile, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental responsibilities. It includes getting registering their vehicles in the nearby municipality of Howland.