A small town in Colorado, Hartman, has been declared abandoned by the state after its remaining elected officials resigned. The town’s water system has become a ‘health hazard’ to its residents, according to state officials.
Background
The town, which has a population of 30, saw its three active trustees resign in January after a brawl erupted between four women following a board of trustees meeting. The mayor had previously resigned in October, and the town was grappling with embezzlement allegations and restraining orders.
The Office of the Colorado Secretary of State made the determination after a public hearing showed that the town had no Board of Trustees or Town Clerk, was unable to hold a town election, and owned infrastructure critical for the treatment or delivery of water to residents.
Water Concerns
The town’s water system has been compromised, with the water tank needing repair or replacement. The town has been under a boil advisory since last October, and the water currently needs testing and chlorine. Without government officials, the town is unable to enter contracts to access grant funds to fix the water system.
The Office of Colorado’s Secretary of State said that, following the abandonment order, the ownership of the town’s water infrastructure will be vested in Prowers County, which will transfer it to an entity whose primary purpose is water treatment or delivery.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
