Total Maine town forced to close after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

The only clerk in a small Maine town resigned after the board of selectmen denied her vacation 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 nobody was obtainable to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The town has had nobody to register vehicles, preserve essential data, or talk with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of city clerk isn’t the only necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 individuals additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a school administration official, according to The Bangor Daily News.

The city office shut down to in-person visitors until additional discover, according to a press release sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a couple of days a week to just accept payments on things reminiscent of taxes,” the statement read. “Please name the workplace before heading out to do any business here as there aren't any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to gather tax funds. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register autos, 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 capable to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, town residents rejected a finances article meant to fund town operations after town officials didn't adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed salary enhance. The funds article additionally didn't embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity beneath Maine law.

Town officers mentioned that they are discovering it troublesome to fill the open posts resulting from monetary uncertainties. It's also because of the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she stated she usually labored more — and was paid just $13,500 per year.

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

“I do imagine in time with the workforce we have now, we will get Passadumkeag back so as and searching good, however it will take a bit and goes to be a challenge for certain.”

In the intervening time, the individuals of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental obligations. It includes getting registering their cars in the close by municipality of Howland.