Total Maine city compelled to shut after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

The one 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 nobody was accessible to step in for her.

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

The place of city clerk isn’t the only essential opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 people additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a school administration official, in keeping with The Bangor Daily News.

The town workplace shut right down to in-person guests till further notice, in accordance with an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer shall be in a few days every week to accept funds on things similar to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name 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 collect tax funds. Still, she is reportedly unable to register autos, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was chargeable for.

It’s unclear when the city will be able to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, town residents rejected a budget article meant to fund town operations after city officials did not adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary increase. The funds article also didn't embody funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity beneath Maine law.

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

“We've been left with a multitude from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we will to get our town back in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do believe in time with the crew now we have, we will get Passadumkeag back in order and searching good, however it should take a bit and is going to be a problem for sure.”

In the meanwhile, the people of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental responsibilities. It includes getting registering their automobiles in the nearby municipality of Howland.