(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. Advertisement AdvertisementDuring 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. "Hartman is a town that was failed by the systems designed to protect it."