Total Maine town compelled to shut after its only clerk quits over denied vacation

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

She left on April 7. The town has had no one to register autos, preserve crucial records, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of town clerk isn’t the one vital opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 individuals additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a school administration official, in line with The Bangor Day by day Information.

The city workplace shut down to in-person guests till additional discover, based on a press release despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a few days a week to just accept funds on things reminiscent of taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name the workplace earlier than heading out to do any business here as there are no designated hours of operation now.”

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

It’s unclear when the city 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 city officials did not adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The funds article also did not embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine regulation.

Town officials said that they are discovering it troublesome to fill the open posts as a result of financial uncertainties. It is also as a result of town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours each week — though she mentioned she often worked more — and was paid simply $13,500 per 12 months.

“Now we have been left with a multitude from years of neglect and are doing as much as we are able to to get our town again so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do believe in time with the team now we have, we'll get Passadumkeag again in order and looking good, however it can take a bit and goes to be a challenge for sure.”

In the meanwhile, the folks of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out elementary governmental duties. It contains getting registering their vehicles in the close by municipality of Howland.