Total Maine city compelled to close after its solely clerk quits over denied vacation

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 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 out there to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The city has had nobody to register automobiles, keep crucial records, or communicate with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of city clerk isn’t the one essential opening in Passadumkeag. The town 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 Each day News.

The town office shut right down to in-person guests until additional notice, according to a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will probably be in a couple of days every week to just accept funds on things equivalent to taxes,” the statement read. “Please call the office before heading out to do any enterprise right here as there are no 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 autos, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was accountable for.

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

Town officials stated that they're finding it troublesome to fill the open posts as a result of monetary uncertainties. It is usually due to the town’s small population, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours every week — although she stated she usually labored more — and was paid just $13,500 per year.

“We now have been left with a multitude from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we can to get our town back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

“I do consider in time with the staff we now have, we'll get Passadumkeag back so as and searching good, however it can take a bit and goes to be a challenge for positive.”

For the time being, the individuals of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out elementary governmental obligations. It consists of getting registering their automobiles in the nearby municipality of Howland.