Whole Maine town compelled to close after its solely clerk quits over denied vacation

The single clerk in a small Maine city 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 in the past. 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 nobody to register vehicles, hold essential records, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

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

The town office shut right down to in-person visitors till additional discover, in keeping with a statement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer can be in a couple of days every week to simply accept funds on issues corresponding to taxes,” the assertion learn. “Please name the workplace earlier than heading out to do any business right here as there aren't any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the office to collect tax payments. Still, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was responsible for.

It’s unclear when the city will have the ability to fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, city residents rejected a funds article meant to fund town operations after city officials didn't adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The price range article also did not include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine legislation.

Town officials said that they're discovering it difficult to fill the open posts as a result of financial uncertainties. It is also because of the town’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she stated she often worked extra — and was paid just $13,500 per yr.

“We have been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as much as we will to get our town back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie said.

“I do believe in time with the staff now we have, we'll get Passadumkeag back so as and searching good, however it will take a bit and is going to be a problem for sure.”

In the intervening time, the people of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to perform basic governmental obligations. It contains getting registering their automobiles in the nearby municipality of Howland.