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

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 trip a few 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 vehicles, hold crucial data, or communicate with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of town clerk isn’t the only important opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 folks also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a college administration official, in response to The Bangor Daily Information.

The city workplace shut all the way down to in-person guests until additional notice, in keeping with a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a couple of days every week to just accept funds on issues similar to taxes,” the statement read. “Please call the office before heading out to do any business here as there are no 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 most of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was liable for.

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

City officials stated that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts due to monetary uncertainties. It is usually due to the city’s small population, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she said she typically 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 a lot as we can to get our city back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do consider in time with the crew we've, we'll get Passadumkeag again in order and looking out good, but it'll take a bit and goes to be a challenge for certain.”

For the time being, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental responsibilities. It includes getting registering their automobiles in the close by municipality of Howland.