Complete Maine city compelled to shut after its only 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 city clerk in Passadumkeag, Maine, since 2020. She requested a two-week trip a few month and a half in the past. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that nobody was available to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The town has had no one to register autos, hold crucial data, or talk with the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The position of city clerk isn’t the only vital opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 people also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a faculty administration official, based on The Bangor Day by day News.

The city workplace shut down to in-person visitors till further discover, according to a statement despatched out on April 19.

“The Treasurer can be in a few days every week to just accept funds on issues similar to taxes,” the assertion read. “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 gather tax funds. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do building 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 be capable to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, town residents rejected a funds article meant to fund city operations after city officials didn't adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed salary improve. The budget article additionally did not include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity below Maine regulation.

City officials said that they are finding it troublesome to fill the open posts as a result of monetary uncertainties. It is usually as a result of town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours every week — though she stated she usually labored extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per 12 months.

“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 town back so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie said.

“I do believe in time with the staff we now have, we will get Passadumkeag again so as and looking good, however it'll take a bit and goes to be a problem for certain.”

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