Complete Maine city forced to close after its only 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 vacation a few 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 no one to register vehicles, maintain crucial data, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of city clerk isn’t the one essential opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 people also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a college administration official, in line with The Bangor Day by day News.

The town office shut all the way down to in-person visitors until additional discover, in keeping with an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will likely be in a couple of days every week to just accept payments on issues comparable to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name the workplace before heading out to do any business here as there are not any designated hours of operation now.”

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

It’s unclear when the city will have the ability to fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, city residents rejected a funds article meant to fund town operations after city officials didn't adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The price range article also didn't embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine legislation.

Town officials said that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts as a result of financial uncertainties. It is also 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 often worked more — and was paid just $13,500 per yr.

“Now we have been left with a large number from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we will to get our city again in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie said.

“I do imagine in time with the crew we have now, we'll get Passadumkeag again so as and looking out good, but it would take a bit and is going to be a problem for positive.”

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