Complete Maine town pressured 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 few month and a half in the past. 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, maintain crucial records, or communicate with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of town clerk isn’t the only important opening in Passadumkeag. The city of 356 individuals also lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal control officer, and a faculty administration official, according to The Bangor Day by day Information.

The town office shut right down to in-person guests until additional notice, based on an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer can be in a couple of days a week to simply accept payments on things corresponding to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please call the workplace 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 workplace to collect tax payments. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register vehicles, do building inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake most of the different duties that Ms. Bouchard was chargeable 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 finances article meant to fund city operations after city officials didn't adequately explain the reasoning for a proposed wage enhance. The finances article additionally did not embrace funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity below Maine law.

Town officers said that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts on account of monetary uncertainties. Additionally it is due to the city’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being solely part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she stated she often labored extra — and was paid simply $13,500 per yr.

“We have now been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as much as we are able to to get our city again so as,” first selectman Brad McKechnie stated.

“I do imagine in time with the team we've got, we'll get Passadumkeag back so as and searching good, however it will take a bit and is going to be a challenge for certain.”

For the time being, the people of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out fundamental governmental tasks. It contains getting registering their vehicles in the nearby municipality of Howland.