Whole Maine city forced 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 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 no one to register vehicles, preserve crucial information, or communicate with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of town clerk isn’t the one necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 people additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a school administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Day by day News.

The city office shut down to in-person guests till additional discover, in accordance with a press release sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer can be in a few days per week to simply accept funds on issues corresponding to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name the office 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 office to gather tax payments. Still, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake most of the different tasks that Ms. Bouchard was answerable for.

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

City officials stated that they are discovering it troublesome to fill the open posts as a result of financial uncertainties. It is also due to the city’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she mentioned she typically worked more — and was paid just $13,500 per year.

“We have now been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we are able to to get our town again in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

“I do consider in time with the team we've got, we will get Passadumkeag again so as and looking out good, but it's going to take a bit and goes to be a challenge for positive.”

In the interim, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out elementary governmental tasks. It includes getting registering their vehicles within the close by municipality of Howland.