Total Maine town compelled to shut after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

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

Christen Bouchard was the city clerk in Passadumkeag, Maine, since 2020. She requested a two-week trip about a month and a half in the past. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was obtainable to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The city has had nobody to register autos, preserve essential records, or talk with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of city clerk isn’t the only necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 individuals also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a school administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Day by day Information.

The city workplace shut right down to in-person guests until additional notice, in accordance with a statement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a few days per week to simply accept payments on issues equivalent to taxes,” the assertion read. “Please name the office before heading out to do any enterprise right 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. Still, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was liable for.

It’s unclear when the city will be capable of fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, town residents rejected a budget article meant to fund town operations after town officials did not adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage increase. The funds article also did not embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity underneath Maine law.

Town officials stated that they are finding it troublesome to fill the open posts as a consequence of monetary uncertainties. It's also because of the city’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she stated she usually labored more — and was paid simply $13,500 per 12 months.

“We've got been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we will to get our city again in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

“I do believe in time with the crew we have now, we'll get Passadumkeag back so as and searching good, but it would take a bit and is going to be a challenge for positive.”

In the meanwhile, the folks of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and other municipalities to perform basic governmental duties. It consists of getting registering their automobiles in the nearby municipality of Howland.