Total Maine city forced to close after its only clerk quits over denied trip

The single 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 vacation a few month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that nobody was obtainable to step in for her.

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

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

The town office shut right down to in-person visitors till further discover, based on a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will probably be in a couple of days a week to just accept funds on issues comparable to taxes,” the assertion learn. “Please name the workplace before heading out to do any enterprise here as there are no designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the office to collect tax funds. Still, she is reportedly unable to register autos, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake most of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was answerable for.

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

Town officers mentioned that they are finding it troublesome to fill the open posts due to monetary uncertainties. It is usually as a result of town’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she mentioned she usually labored more — and was paid just $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 city back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do believe in time with the staff we've, we are going to get Passadumkeag again in order and looking good, but it would take a bit and is going to be a problem for positive.”

For the time being, the people of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental duties. It includes getting registering their vehicles in the close by municipality of Howland.