Complete Maine town pressured to shut after its only 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 a few month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was out there to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The city has had no one to register automobiles, hold essential records, or communicate with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of town clerk isn’t the only important opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 folks additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a faculty administration official, in line with The Bangor Each day Information.

The city office shut right down to in-person guests till additional discover, according to a press release despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a couple of days per week to simply accept payments on issues reminiscent of taxes,” the statement read. “Please name the office earlier than heading out to do any business here as there are not any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to collect tax funds. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was answerable 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 price range article meant to fund town operations after town officers failed to adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage improve. The budget article additionally didn't embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine legislation.

Town officials said that they're finding it tough to fill the open posts on account of financial uncertainties. It's also due to the city’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she mentioned she usually worked more — and was paid simply $13,500 per 12 months.

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

“I do consider in time with the team we now have, we are going to get Passadumkeag again so as and looking good, however it'll take a bit and goes to be a challenge for positive.”

In the intervening time, the people of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out basic governmental obligations. It contains getting registering their cars within the nearby municipality of Howland.