Whole Maine city compelled to close after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

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

Christen Bouchard was the town 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 no one was out there to step in for her.

She left on April 7. The city has had nobody to register vehicles, maintain essential records, or communicate with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The place of city clerk isn’t the only necessary opening in Passadumkeag. The town of 356 people additionally lacks a code enforcement officer, an assessor, an animal management officer, and a school administration official, in accordance with The Bangor Each day Information.

The town workplace shut down to in-person visitors until further notice, in accordance with a press release sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will be in a few days per week to simply accept funds on things reminiscent of taxes,” the statement learn. “Please call the office before heading out to do any business right here as there are no designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the office to collect tax payments. Nonetheless, she is reportedly unable to register automobiles, do constructing inspections, conduct animal welfare checks, or undertake lots of the other duties that Ms. Bouchard was chargeable for.

It’s unclear when the city will be able to fill the vacant positions and reopen for business. In March, city residents rejected a price range article meant to fund city operations after city officers didn't adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed wage improve. The finances article also didn't include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine law.

Town officials stated that they are discovering it tough to fill the open posts on account of financial uncertainties. Additionally it is due to the town’s small population, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was solely contracted to work 16 hours each week — although she said she usually labored more — and was paid just $13,500 per yr.

“We now have been left with a mess from years of neglect and are doing as much as we will to get our town again in order,” first selectman Brad McKechnie mentioned.

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

In the meanwhile, the people of Passadumkeag are relying on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out elementary governmental responsibilities. It includes getting registering their cars within the close by municipality of Howland.