The small Colorado town of Hartman, with approximately 30 residents, has been officially abandoned by state order due to a defunct water system and the complete resignation of its governing officials. The Colorado Department of State issued the abandonment order to create a legal pathway for residents to access clean water.
Hartman has been without a Board of Trustees since January, and its last mayor, Catherine Fernandez, resigned in October 2025, citing persistent infighting among residents. The town's water infrastructure has been neglected for years, with a boil order in effect since around the same time. A 2025 inspection revealed bacteria commonly found in animal waste in the water supply, and a state inspection five years prior had already ruled the water tower's condition as 'poor' due to holes and roof corrosion.
The abandonment process was initiated when a Hartman resident submitted an application to the Secretary of State on June 17. The application highlighted the absence of town leaders and the critical state of the water infrastructure. A subsequent public hearing on July 13 further detailed the town's condition. Eric Bergman, director of the division of local government for Colorado's Department of Local Affairs, testified that Hartman lacked any government officials, including a clerk, and a body to conduct municipal elections.
Bergman also noted that over $1 million in state grants, designated for the water system, could not be accessed by the town because it lacked a functioning government to agree to the necessary contracts. This prevented any improvements to the neglected infrastructure.
Historically, Colorado towns could only be abandoned if they failed to hold elections and maintain a government for five years. However, the statute was amended to create an exception for towns with critical water infrastructure after Hartman's board of trustees resigned in January. Deputy Secretary of State Andrew J. Kline signed the abandonment order, stating that not proceeding would leave residents in a state of legal limbo during a health hazard, unable to conduct business, hold elections, or repair their water system.
Despite the state's decision, some residents opposed the abandonment. One resident, Shawna Casey, argued that the town had been failed by protective systems rather than being a failed town itself. She had reportedly contacted various state and federal authorities seeking assistance. Another resident, Dawn Railsback, filed a petition for a special election, which was denied by the District Court of Prowers County.
Kline acknowledged the opposition, commending their efforts, but concluded that the abandonment was necessary to resolve the health hazard and legal paralysis. Prowers County is set to assume control of Hartman's water infrastructure, streets, and town property, with plans to transfer the water system to a new operator. The decision to abandon Hartman can be appealed in Denver District Court by late August.