Complete Maine town forced to close after its only clerk quits over denied vacation

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

Christen Bouchard was the city clerk in Passadumkeag, Maine, since 2020. She requested a two-week vacation about a 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 vehicles, hold essential records, or talk 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 people additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a school administration official, in line with The Bangor Day by day News.

The city workplace shut down to in-person guests till additional notice, according to a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will probably be in a couple of days every week to simply accept funds on issues akin to taxes,” the assertion learn. “Please name the workplace before heading out to do any business here as there aren't any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to collect tax payments. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, 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 be capable of fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, city residents rejected a budget article meant to fund town operations after town officials did not adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary increase. The price range article additionally didn't embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity underneath Maine law.

City officials mentioned that they are finding it difficult to fill the open posts because of monetary uncertainties. It is usually due to the city’s small population, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she mentioned she usually worked extra — and was paid just $13,500 per yr.

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

“I do imagine in time with the staff we've got, we'll get Passadumkeag back in order and looking good, but it'll take a bit and is going to be a challenge for certain.”

For the time being, the folks of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and other municipalities to perform elementary governmental tasks. It consists of getting registering their cars within the nearby municipality of Howland.