Colorado Declares Hartman Abandoned After Leaders Quit, Water Deemed Hazard
Colorado's Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline formally determined the Town of Hartman is abandoned under state law in the week of July 27, 2026, leaving the town without local officials to act.[1]
State testimony said there are now no officials authorized to approve contracts, spend funds, certify elections, or make decisions about Hartman's water infrastructure.[1] A June abandonment application from resident Jessie Simmons said Hartman's water had lacked chlorine for more than a month, had been under a prolonged boil order, and "smells horrible." Fox News
The town's three remaining trustees resigned in January 2026, one day after a physical altercation following a board meeting.[1] The mayor had resigned in October 2025.[1] The Department of Local Affairs reported it had made more than 30 visits to Hartman since 2022 to help with elections, resignations, budgets, audits, grants and training.[1]
Residents and state officials now face decisions about who will manage Hartman's basic services and whether emergency interventions are needed to address the town's water hazards.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- In the week of July 27, 2026, Colorado’s Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline formally determined the Town of Hartman is abandoned under § 31-3-201(1)(b), C.R.S.
- Hartman’s three remaining trustees resigned in January 2026, a day after a physical altercation following a board meeting; the mayor had resigned in October 2025.
- A June 2026 abandonment application from resident Jessie Simmons said Hartman’s water had lacked chlorine for over a month, was under a prolonged boil order, and “smells horrible.”
- State testimony said there are now no officials authorized to approve contracts, spend funds, certify elections, or make decisions about Hartman’s water infrastructure.
- The Department of Local Affairs reported more than 30 visits to Hartman since 2022 to assist with elections, resignations, budgets, audits, grants and training.
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