Hartman Colorado Declared Abandoned After Officials Resign and Water System Becomes Health Hazard

Hartman Colorado, a southeastern town with approximately 30 residents, has been formally declared abandoned by state authorities following the complete collapse of its municipal government and the emergence of a contaminated water supply deemed unsafe for consumption. The declaration, issued by Colorado's Secretary of State, represents the first legal mechanism available under state statute to restore basic services to the community after all three board trustees and the town clerk resigned in January.

The Collapse of Municipal Government

The administrative breakdown accelerated dramatically after a physical altercation erupted between four women following a contentious board of trustees meeting on January 13. The confrontation prompted the three remaining trustees to step down the following day, citing safety concerns. The town's mayor had already departed his position in October, leaving no elected officials to conduct municipal business or oversee the town's critical infrastructure.

One resigned trustee, Pam Packer, explained the decision to the Denver Post by stating that personal safety had become more important than maintaining governmental continuity. The town had previously struggled with embezzlement allegations and restraining orders, creating an environment of institutional dysfunction that preceded the final collapse.

Water Crisis Triggers State Intervention

The absence of any functioning government proved catastrophic when the town's water treatment system failed. Residents reported that the municipal water supply had lacked chlorine for over one month, making it undrinkable and described as having a foul odor. A boil water order had been issued as early as February, but without elected officials, the town could not execute necessary repairs or secure the contracts required to deploy over one million dollars in state grants earmarked for water infrastructure improvements.

In mid-June, resident Jessie Simmons submitted a formal application to the Secretary of State requesting an abandonment declaration. The application detailed the town's inability to hold elections, lack of governing officials, and the immediate threat posed by contaminated water to public health. Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline conducted a public hearing on July 13, where residents presented evidence supporting and opposing the abandonment petition. On July 28, Kline issued a 15-page order determining that abandonment was the only available legal mechanism to resolve the crisis and enable the delivery of safe drinking water to remaining residents.