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

The single clerk in a small Maine town 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 about a month and a half ago. Her plea was denied by the board of selectmen. They claimed that no one was available to step in for her.

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

The place of town clerk isn’t the only necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 folks also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a college administration official, in keeping with The Bangor Each day News.

The city workplace shut right down to in-person guests till additional notice, based on an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will probably be in a couple of days per week to accept payments on things similar to taxes,” the assertion learn. “Please name the office earlier than heading out to do any business 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. Still, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was answerable 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 budget article meant to fund city operations after town officers failed to adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage enhance. The price range article additionally did not include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity underneath Maine legislation.

City officers said that they are finding it tough to fill the open posts because of monetary uncertainties. It is also due to 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 typically worked extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per year.

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

“I do consider in time with the group we've, we'll get Passadumkeag back in order and searching good, however it would take a bit and goes to be a problem for sure.”

In the meanwhile, the individuals of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and other municipalities to perform basic governmental responsibilities. It includes getting registering their cars within the nearby municipality of Howland.