Small-town resident urges Denver judge to halt abandonment of Hartman

A resident of Hartman, Colorado, is petitioning a Denver judge to reverse the state's July declaration that the small town — population several dozen — was officially abandoned, citing an ongoing boil-water order tied to a century-old water tower in disrepair. The town's government collapsed in January after a physical altercation between a resident and a trustee over a water bill, followed by the trustees paying one last electric bill and resigning.

A new law signed by Governor Jared Polis fast-tracked abandonment for towns like Hartman lacking functioning government, replacing a five-year waiting period and providing grant funds for water infrastructure. Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Kline declared the town abandoned on July 28, handing control to Prowers County, which has since signed an interim contract to chlorinate the water supply.

Resident Shawna Casey's petition argues the takeover risks worsening the water crisis and devaluing property, and asks the court to instead appoint a new town board led by the last acting mayor. County Administrator Don Wilson said he's pleased with progress made so far and called the petition disappointing given the improvements underway.

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