Complete Maine city pressured to shut after its only clerk quits over denied trip

The only clerk in a small Maine city 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 vacation a couple of month and a half in the past. 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, preserve essential records, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of city clerk isn’t the only essential opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 folks additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a faculty administration official, in keeping with The Bangor Daily Information.

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

“The Treasurer will probably be in a couple of days every week to just accept payments on things resembling taxes,” the statement read. “Please call the office before 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 gather tax payments. Still, she is reportedly unable to register autos, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was answerable for.

It’s unclear when the town will have the ability to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, city residents rejected a finances article meant to fund city operations after town officers didn't adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage increase. The funds article also did not embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity below Maine regulation.

City officials stated that they are finding it tough to fill the open posts due to financial uncertainties. It is also due to the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she said she often labored extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“We've been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we can to get our town again so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie said.

“I do believe in time with the group we've, we will get Passadumkeag back so as and looking out good, however it would take a bit and is going to be a challenge for positive.”

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