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

The one clerk in a small Maine town resigned after the board of selectmen denied her vacation request.

Christen Bouchard was the city clerk in Passadumkeag, Maine, since 2020. She requested a two-week trip a couple of month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was out there to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The city has had no one to register autos, maintain essential information, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of town clerk isn’t the only essential opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 individuals also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a school administration official, according to The Bangor Each day News.

The city office shut down to in-person visitors till additional discover, according to a press release sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer shall be in a couple of days per week to simply accept payments on things corresponding to taxes,” the statement read. “Please name the office before heading out to do any enterprise 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. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was accountable for.

It’s unclear when the town will be capable of fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, city residents rejected a finances article meant to fund town operations after city officers failed to adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The price range article also didn't include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity below Maine law.

Town officials said that they are finding it tough to fill the open posts because of monetary uncertainties. It's also because of the town’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she said she often labored more — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“We've got been left with a mess 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 group we've, we will get Passadumkeag back so as and looking good, however it should take a bit and is going to be a problem for certain.”

In the interim, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to perform fundamental governmental responsibilities. It consists of getting registering their cars in the nearby municipality of Howland.