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Colorado town Hartman abandoned after all public officials resign drinking water ruled health hazard
New York Post • • nation
Key Points:
- The small Colorado town of Hartman, with a population of 30, was officially declared abandoned by Secretary of State Jena Griswold after all elected officials resigned and the local water supply became unsafe.
- The town had been without government since January 14, following the resignation of the remaining board trustees and a violent altercation at a tense board meeting.
- Hartman lacked potable water for over a month, with a boil order in place since February, and despite receiving over $1 million in grants for water infrastructure, no contracts were secured due to the absence of governance.
- A hearing on July 13 resulted in a 15-page order favoring abandonment, as it was deemed the only legal means to restore clean water and governance for residents.
- Prowers County will assume control of public roads and water infrastructure, transferring water responsibilities to an appropriate entity, though some residents objected to the abandonment citing procedural concerns.
