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The small town of Hartman, Colorado, has recently been officially declared abandoned, marking a significant collapse of local governance amidst a dire drinking water crisis. This declaration, announced by Secretary of State Jena Griswold on 29 July, follows a tumultuous period characterised by infighting among officials and a complete resignation of all local leaders. As a result, residents are now left grappling with the consequences of a deteriorating water supply and a lack of governmental structure.
A Brewing Crisis
Public documents reveal that Hartman has faced severe water quality issues for over a month, with residents receiving alarming notifications regarding the lack of chlorine in their drinking water. Jessie Simmons, a local landowner and voter, highlighted the community’s plight in her correspondence to Griswold’s office, noting that they had been under a boil-water order for an extended period. The situation escalated to such an extent that the town lacked both a functioning board of trustees and a town clerk, rendering it incapable of conducting local elections or addressing its critical infrastructure needs.
With a population of fewer than 60 at the time of the 2020 census, Hartman’s downfall is unprecedented in Colorado’s recent history. The Denver Post described the administrative collapse as “without parallel,” underscoring the gravity of the situation. Political turmoil, allegations of misconduct, and a physical altercation during a governing board meeting all contributed to the town’s inability to maintain a cohesive leadership structure.
Water Woes and Administrative Breakdown
For years, Hartman’s water tower has suffered from neglect, with necessary repairs consistently postponed as internal disputes took precedence. The ongoing feud among town officials has been likened to the infamous Hatfield and McCoy rivalry, illustrating the intensity of the divisions that plagued the community. This discord ultimately deterred potential water operators from stepping in to assist, exacerbating the town’s already precarious water supply situation.
As the situation deteriorated, all elected officials vacated their positions, culminating in a complete governance collapse. Simmons took the initiative to request the formal abandonment of Hartman on 17 June. In response, the secretary of state’s office issued a 15-page order, stating that failing to declare the town abandoned would leave residents in a precarious legal limbo amid an ongoing health crisis. The order made clear that abandonment was the only legal path for the community to secure clean water.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
Despite the dire conditions leading to Hartman’s abandonment, some locals expressed their opposition to the declaration. Resident Shawna Casey articulated a sentiment shared by others when she stated, “Hartman is not a failed town. Hartman is a town that was failed by the systems designed to protect it.” This perspective highlights a broader critique of the state’s handling of small communities struggling with infrastructure and governance challenges.
As Hartman transitions into this new phase, responsibility for its critical water infrastructure may shift to the Prowers County government. However, the decision raises questions about whether this change will lead to effective management or merely transfer the burdens faced by the residents.
Why it Matters
The situation in Hartman serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of governance in small towns across the United States. As communities grapple with dwindling resources and leadership crises, the abandonment of Hartman underscores the urgent need for state and local governments to reinforce their support systems. The implications of this collapse extend beyond the immediate community, raising concerns about the adequacy of infrastructure and governance in rural areas nationwide. The residents of Hartman, now caught in a bind, exemplify the pressing challenges faced by many small towns as they navigate the complexities of modern governance and public health crises.
