In a striking turn of events, the tiny town of Hartman, Colorado, has been officially declared abandoned after a complete collapse of its local government. The declaration, announced by Secretary of State Jena Griswold on 29 July, follows a series of resignations by town officials and a dire drinking water situation that has left residents without access to potable water for months.
A Town in Distress
Hartman, which had a population of fewer than 60 according to the 2020 census, found itself in an unprecedented predicament. Public documents reveal that the town had been under a boil-water order for an extended period, with residents reporting that their water supply had become not only undrinkable but also foul-smelling. Jessie Simmons, a resident and landowner, informed Griswold’s office that Hartman had been without chlorine in its water for over a month, exacerbating an already critical situation.
The lack of leadership became evident as the town was left without a functioning board of trustees or a town clerk. This administrative vacuum made it impossible to hold local elections, leaving the community in a state of legal limbo. In a letter dated 17 June, Simmons urged for a formal declaration of abandonment, citing that failing to do so would hinder efforts to resolve the pressing water crisis.
Infighting and Administrative Chaos
The downfall of Hartman can be traced back to a combination of political strife and administrative failures. Reports indicate that the town has faced intense internal conflicts, including allegations of fraud and even physical altercations during board meetings. Such turmoil rendered the community incapable of addressing its critical infrastructure needs, particularly its deteriorating water tower, which had long been in disrepair.
The Denver Post described the situation in Hartman as “without parallel in recent state history,” highlighting the extreme nature of the town’s administrative breakdown. The discord among residents was so pronounced that it deterred potential water operators from stepping in to offer necessary assistance.
A Legal Path Forward
In her formal order granting Simmons’ request for abandonment, Secretary Griswold stated that failing to recognise Hartman as abandoned would further complicate the residents’ situation amid a public health crisis. The order noted that this legal abandonment was the only course available under Colorado law that could enable residents to access clean water through the intervention of surrounding Prowers County’s government.
While the abandonment may provide a pathway for addressing the water crisis, not all residents are in favour of this decision. Some, like Shawna Casey, argue that Hartman is not a failed town but rather a community failed by the systems intended to support it.
Why it Matters
The abandonment of Hartman underscores the critical importance of effective local governance and the dire consequences that can arise from administrative failures. As communities across the country grapple with similar issues, the situation in Hartman serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of small-town governance and the urgent need for systems that ensure access to essential services like clean water. The residents of Hartman, now facing uncertain futures, highlight the human impact of bureaucratic breakdowns, urging a reconsideration of how small communities are supported and managed in times of crisis.