Maine, USA: A small town in Maine, a state in the New England region of the United States, with a population of 356 as of the 2020 census shut down after its only clerk resigned.
The Bangor Daily News reported, Christen Bouchard resigned from her role as Passadumkeag's town clerk on 7th April 2022. Bouchard quit after the board of selectmen denied her a two-week vacation, claiming there was no replacement to take over her duties.
"The Great Resignation" became a standard term across the United States since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic with record number of Americans quitting their jobs due to work-life imbalance and toxic work environment. In March alone, over 4.5 million people left their jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the quitting rates have soared exponentially.
Passadumkeag Town Office posted a Google review on April 19 to announce, "As of April 21st, 2022, there will be no clerk to fill the position in the Town of Passadumkeag. This means the office will be closed until further notice to in-person visits."
As a town clerk, Bouchard was responsible for licensing pets, registering vehicles, maintaining records and liaising with Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. She was also given the additional responsibility of the deputy treasurer. She also oversaw the election held on 3rd November 2020 after just three days of training and two months after assuming her job.
Bouchard's departure means the town cannot issue vehicle registrations, inspect homes or businesses, assess properties or respond to reports of rabid or abused animals. Passadumkeag has effectively been forced to shut down.
The residents have been informed that they should call the office before visiting "as there are no designated hours of operation now." The office also noted that the Treasurer would be in a couple of days a week to accept certain payments.
Bouchard was paid $13,500/year to work 16 hours/week, but in reality, her job never fit into those hours. The Bangor Daily News received more information from Bouchard herself, who further added that she was the only person working in the town office who could help residents and often had to work on her off days.
Source: Newsweek
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