Total Maine town compelled to shut after its solely clerk quits over denied trip

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

Christen Bouchard was the city clerk in Passadumkeag, Maine, since 2020. She requested a two-week trip about a 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 city has had no one to register vehicles, hold essential information, or communicate with the state Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

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

The town workplace shut right down to in-person guests until further discover, based on an announcement sent out on April 19.

“The Treasurer will probably be in a couple of days every week to accept payments on issues corresponding to taxes,” the statement learn. “Please name the office earlier than heading out to do any enterprise here as there aren't any designated hours of operation now.”

Treasurer Barbara Boyer has apparently been coming into the workplace to gather 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 responsible for.

It’s unclear when the city will have the ability to fill the vacant positions and reopen for enterprise. In March, town residents rejected a funds article meant to fund city operations after city officers didn't adequately clarify the reasoning for a proposed salary increase. The budget article additionally did not include funding for a code enforcement officer, a necessity under Maine law.

City officers stated that they are finding it troublesome to fill the open posts as a result of financial uncertainties. It is also due to the town’s small inhabitants, and the municipal roles being only part-time. Ms Bouchard was only contracted to work 16 hours every week — although she mentioned she typically worked more — and was paid simply $13,500 per year.

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

“I do believe in time with the workforce we've got, we'll get Passadumkeag back in order and looking out good, however it should take a bit and goes to be a problem for positive.”

In the intervening time, the individuals of Passadumkeag are counting on selectmen and different municipalities to carry out elementary governmental responsibilities. It includes getting registering their automobiles within the close by municipality of Howland.