The former statutory town of Hartman, Colorado, has been declared abandoned by Secretary of State Jena Griswold, following the resignation of all its elected officials and a determination that its drinking water is a health hazard. The town, located in southeastern Colorado near the Kansas border, had a population of approximately 30 residents.
The Colorado Department of State issued a formal determination of abandonment on Wednesday, July 28, 2026, pursuant to state statute 31-3-201 C.R.S. This action came after a resident applied for the declaration due to the absence of governing officials and the inability to provide essential services, specifically potable water.
Hartman had been without any form of government since January 14, 2026, when the three remaining board trustees resigned. This followed a violent altercation between four women that occurred after a contentious board meeting the previous day. Residents had been subject to a water boil order since at least February 2026, with the water lacking chlorine for over a month and described as undrinkable and foul-smelling.
A hearing was conducted on July 13, 2026, by Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline, where residents presented evidence both supporting and opposing the abandonment. Kline's July 28 order stated that declaring the town abandoned was the only legal mechanism available under Colorado statute to provide residents with a path to clean water and enable essential town functions.
Despite the potential for a more favorable outcome for residents, three individuals objected to the abandonment proposal, citing technicalities related to recall procedures and resignation timing before municipal elections. Kline acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the urgent need to resolve the legal limbo and health hazard facing the town.
With the town declared abandoned, the Prowers County Board of County Commissioners will assume control of all public roads and alleys within the former town limits. The county will also take ownership of the water infrastructure, with the responsibility for water treatment and delivery to be transferred to an entity whose primary mission is water services.
The town's dissolution follows years of issues including embezzlement allegations, lawsuits, and restraining orders. Hartman had previously received over $1 million in grants aimed at improving its water system, but the lack of a functioning government prevented the town from securing contracts to utilize these funds for infrastructure upgrades.