Total Maine city forced to close after its solely clerk quits over denied vacation

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 trip about a 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 no one to register automobiles, keep crucial records, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of city clerk isn’t the one important opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 individuals also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a faculty administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Day by day News.

The city office shut all the way down to in-person guests till further notice, in line with an announcement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer might be in a few days per week to accept funds on issues reminiscent of taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name the workplace earlier than heading out to do any enterprise right here as there aren't any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to collect tax payments. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the other tasks that Ms. Bouchard was answerable 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 budget article meant to fund city operations after town officers did not adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The finances article additionally didn't embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity underneath Maine law.

Town officers said that they are discovering it troublesome to fill the open posts resulting from financial uncertainties. Additionally it is due to the town’s small population, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she said she typically worked extra — and was paid just $13,500 per 12 months.

“We've got been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as much as we can to get our town back in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

“I do believe in time with the staff we've, we'll get Passadumkeag back in order and looking good, however it's going to take a bit and is going to be a problem for sure.”

For the time being, the folks of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out basic governmental tasks. It consists of getting registering their cars within the close by municipality of Howland.