Whole Maine city forced to shut after its solely 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 couple of 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 town has had nobody to register automobiles, preserve essential records, or talk with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of city clerk isn’t the one necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 people additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a college administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Day by day Information.

The town workplace shut down to in-person visitors until additional notice, in line with a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer can be in a few days per week to just accept payments on things comparable to taxes,” the assertion read. “Please name the office 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 payments. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake many of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was liable for.

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

City officers mentioned that they are finding it difficult to fill the open posts as a result of financial uncertainties. It is usually because of the city’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she mentioned she often labored more — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“Now we have been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as a lot as we will to get our city back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do consider in time with the workforce we've, we are going to get Passadumkeag back in order and looking good, but it can take a bit and goes to be a problem for certain.”

For the time being, the individuals of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and other municipalities to perform elementary governmental duties. It consists of getting registering their vehicles in the nearby municipality of Howland.