State declares tiny southeast Colorado town abandoned after infighting, resignations and a water crisis
The state said the move will let Prowers County take over streets and water infrastructure after a yearlong boil order and years of repairs.
- On Wednesday, the Colorado Secretary of State's Office approved a resident-led petition formally dissolving the town of Hartman, transferring all municipal responsibilities and assets to Prowers County.
- Months of gridlock preceded the dissolution after all elected officials resigned earlier this year amid fraud accusations, petty squabbles, and a physical altercation following a Board of Trustees meeting.
- Facing a year-long boil order and failing water infrastructure, the town lacked authority to hold elections; lawmakers passed Senate Bill 157 this year to facilitate such dissolutions.
- State officials argued the move was the only way to restore clean water, despite objections from residents who said the town was "failed by the systems designed to protect it."
- Prowers County will now manage all town streets and property, including the water infrastructure, which the county plans to transfer to a water operator to address persistent service issues.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Town Declared ‘Abandoned’ After Every Official Resigns Over Water Crisis, Fraud Scandal
A tiny Colorado town plagued by years of political infighting, failing infrastructure, and contaminated drinking water has officially been declared abandoned after its local government effectively ceased to exist. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold declared Hartman abandoned this week after the town’s last elected officials resigned in January, leaving the community without a functioning government or a way to address its deteriorating w…
Colorado Town Declared Abandoned After Officials Resign and Water Crisis Deepens
A small Colorado town is losing its municipal status after a political collapse left officials unable to govern and a long-running water crisis without a clear solution. The Colorado Department of State issued the abandonment determination on Tuesday, transferring control of Hartman’s streets and critical water infrastructure to Prowers County. The ruling removes Hartman’s independent...
Colorado Declares Tiny Town Abandoned After Every Official Walks Away - American Liberty News
Hartman, Colorado, still has residents. It still has homes. Its water taps still run—although state officials warn the water may not be safe to drink. What Hartman no longer has is a functioning government. Colorado officials formally declared the tiny southeastern community abandoned this week after its remaining elected leaders resigned, leaving nobody legally authorized […] The post Colorado Declares Tiny Town Abandoned After Every Official W…
Colorado Town Abandoned After Officials Leave Post
The Colorado town of Hartman is being abandoned after a water issue has led to a health hazard. The water issue follows elected officials leaving their positions in January after a brawl broke out following a board of trustees meeting. The New York Post reports that the town has a population of 30. According to an order of abandonment, Eric Bergman, the Director of the Division of Local Government for the Department of Local Affairs, finds that …
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