Entire Maine town forced to shut after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

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 vacation a couple of month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was obtainable to step in for her.

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

The position of city clerk isn’t the one vital opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 people also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a college administration official, in response to The Bangor Each day News.

The city office shut all the way down to in-person visitors till further notice, in line with a statement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will be in a few days every week to accept funds on things akin to taxes,” the assertion learn. “Please name the workplace before heading out to do any business right here as there are no designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the office to collect tax funds. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was liable for.

It’s unclear when the city will be able to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, city residents rejected a funds article meant to fund town operations after city officers failed to adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The price range article also did not embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity below Maine regulation.

City officials said that they are finding it troublesome to fill the open posts due to financial uncertainties. Additionally it is as a result of city’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she said she usually worked extra — and was paid just $13,500 per 12 months.

“We have been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we can to get our city again so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do imagine in time with the crew we've, we are going to get Passadumkeag again in order and looking out good, but it is going to take a bit and goes to be a challenge for sure.”

In the meanwhile, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and other municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental obligations. It includes getting registering their automobiles in the close by municipality of Howland.