Complete Maine town compelled to close after its only clerk quits over denied trip

The single 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 about a month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was available 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 Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of city clerk isn’t the one essential opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 people additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a school administration official, in keeping with The Bangor Every day News.

The city workplace shut down to in-person visitors till further notice, in keeping with an announcement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will probably be in a few days every week to just accept funds on things reminiscent of taxes,” the statement read. “Please call the workplace before heading out to do any business right here as there are no designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the office to collect tax payments. Still, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was accountable for.

It’s unclear when the town will be capable to fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, town residents rejected a finances article meant to fund city operations after city officers didn't adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The funds article also didn't include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine law.

Town officials stated that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts as a result of financial uncertainties. It is usually due to the city’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she said she often worked extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per year.

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

“I do believe in time with the crew we have now, we'll get Passadumkeag again so as and searching good, however it'll take a bit and goes to be a problem for positive.”

In the meanwhile, the folks of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out elementary governmental duties. It includes getting registering their cars within the nearby municipality of Howland.