Colorado’s Secretary of State officially declared the town of Hartman abandoned on July 28, stripping it of its municipal status after all elected officials resigned and left its water infrastructure inoperable.
The abandonment order transfers control of Hartman’s streets and critical water system to Prowers County, following a public hearing that confirmed the town lacked a Board of Trustees, town clerk, or ability to hold elections. Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline cited the town’s inability to manage its water treatment and delivery systems as a primary justification for the decision.
Hartman, a town of 30 residents near the Kansas border, has been without functioning leadership since January 2024, when its last three trustees resigned. The resignations followed months of political turmoil, including allegations of embezzlement, restraining orders between officials, and a public brawl at a board meeting. The town’s mayor had resigned in October 2023, leaving no elected officials authorized to approve contracts, spend funds, or certify elections.
Why the State Took Action
The abandonment designation was triggered by a written application submitted by resident Jessie Simmons, who argued the town could no longer govern itself or maintain its water infrastructure. Kline’s order stated that without intervention, residents would remain in a legal limbo, unable to address the water system’s deterioration, which officials described as a health hazard.
The state’s decision hinges on Colorado Revised Statutes § 31-3-201(1)(b), which allows for abandonment when a municipality fails to maintain governance and critical infrastructure. Kline emphasized that the move was necessary to provide a pathway for resolving the water crisis, stating: “Abandonment is the only legal mechanism in Colorado statute that creates an avenue for residents of the area to receive clean water.”
Hartman’s Collapse: A Timeline of Decline
Hartman’s governance breakdown unfolded over nine months, culminating in its dissolution:
- October 2023: The town’s mayor resigns, leaving three trustees in charge.
- January 2024: The last three trustees resign following a physical altercation at a board meeting, which local media described as a brawl involving four women. The resignations left Hartman with no elected leadership.
- June 2024: Simmons submits the abandonment application, citing the town’s inability to hold elections, manage finances, or oversee its water system.
- July 28, 2024: The Secretary of State issues the abandonment order, transferring authority to Prowers County.
The town’s water system, which serves its remaining residents, had deteriorated to the point where officials labeled it a public health risk. The infrastructure’s failure to deliver clean water was a central concern in the state’s decision.
What Happens Now?
With Hartman’s abandonment, Prowers County assumes responsibility for its streets and water infrastructure. The county’s role includes overseeing repairs to the water system and determining the town’s future status—whether it remains dissolved or pursues reinstatement under new governance.
Residents, who have lived through years of instability, now face uncertainty about their town’s future. Simmons, the resident who petitioned for abandonment, has not publicly commented on the outcome beyond her initial application. The state has not indicated whether Hartman could later apply to be reinstated as a municipality if conditions improve.
Broader Implications for Small Towns
Hartman’s case highlights the vulnerabilities of small, financially struggling municipalities in Colorado, where low populations and limited resources can lead to governance collapse. The state’s abandonment mechanism, while rare, provides a legal tool to address such crises—but it also raises questions about the long-term viability of tiny towns facing systemic challenges.