Complete Maine city compelled to close after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

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

Christen Bouchard was the town clerk in Passadumkeag, Maine, since 2020. She requested a two-week trip a couple of month and a half ago. 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 town has had nobody to register vehicles, maintain crucial information, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of city clerk isn’t the only necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 people additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a faculty administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Every day Information.

The city office shut all the way down to in-person visitors until additional notice, according to a statement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a few days every week to accept payments on issues similar to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name the workplace before heading out to do any enterprise right here as there are not 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 vehicles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was chargeable for.

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

City officers stated that they are finding it troublesome to fill the open posts on account of monetary uncertainties. It's also as a result of 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 stated she typically labored extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per 12 months.

“We've got 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 back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do believe in time with the staff now we have, we'll get Passadumkeag again in order and searching good, but it is going to take a bit and goes to be a challenge for certain.”

In the interim, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to perform fundamental governmental responsibilities. It contains getting registering their vehicles within the nearby municipality of Howland.