Colorado Town Declared Abandoned After Local Government Resignation

The Colorado town of Hartman has been officially declared abandoned following the resignation of its last elected officials in January. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold made the declaration this week after a resident petitioned for state intervention due to the town's deteriorating water system. The petition highlighted that Hartman had been without chlorine in its water for over a month, rendering it non-potable, and residents have been under a boil-water advisory since February. Despite receiving approximately $1 million in grants for water system repairs, the funds were not utilized due to the absence of authorized officials. Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline stated that declaring Hartman abandoned was the only legal option available to ensure residents could receive clean water. The town's government collapse followed years of political disputes, with accusations of financial mismanagement and dysfunction among town leaders. Following the abandonment declaration, the Prowers County Board of County Commissioners will take over responsibility for the town's infrastructure.