(NewsNation) — The Colorado Department of State has determined that the town of Hartman in Prowers County has been abandoned after finding it no longer has a functioning local government.

NewsNation affiliate KXRM reports the issue came to light after a Hartman resident petitioned the Secretary of State in June to determine whether the town was abandoned.

The application alleged Hartman no longer had a board of trustees or town clerk, was unable to hold elections and still owned critical water infrastructure serving residents.

During a public hearing July 13, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs presented resignation letters showing all of the town's trustees had stepped down in January 2026.

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Since then, Hartman has had no officials authorized to approve contracts, spend public funds, appoint replacements, certify elections or make decisions regarding the town's water system. State officials also found there was no clerk or governing body capable of calling, conducting or certifying municipal elections.

Compounding the problems, Hartman has been under a boil-water advisory since October 2025 because its water tank requires major repairs or replacement, according to the Secretary of State's office.

Not everyone agreed with the state's decision. Resident Shawna Casey, who objected to the declaration, argued that the community itself remains intact.

"Hartman is not a failed town," Casey, who objected to the declaration, told The Guardian. "Hartman is a town that was failed by the systems designed to protect it."

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