PAYSON, Ariz. - eTradeWire -- Strawberry, AZ—Cory Ellsworth, Chairperson of the Pine-Strawberry Water Improvement District (PSWID), faces mounting criticism for deflecting blame onto community members amid escalating costs and legal battles stemming from his decisions. These include recent condemnation lawsuits he initiated against property owners, implicating nearly 80 individuals in one case and five families in another. Critics highlight his troubling pattern of poor decision-making, lack of accountability, and complete disregard for public input.

Central to the controversy is Ellsworth's push for an unnecessary water farm campus centered in a residential subdivision. The project, located at 4889 Rim View Loop in Strawberry, conflicts with the subdivision's residential zoning governed by Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs). Despite these constraints, PSWID purchased the property and began construction under Ellsworth's guidance for a large-scale water facility, which includes multiple wells, high-capacity water tanks, 3-tier commercial power, new treatment buildings, deforestation of nearly an acre, and perimeter security fencing—converting a residential house into district infrastructure.

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In May 2024, Ellsworth penned a public letter blaming neighbors for the financial fallout of their legal challenge to PSWID, stating:

"This verdict will cost the District in several ways—additional legal fees, increased drilling costs due to delays, and time setbacks. It is uncertain if and how these costs will impact our customers, but it is a possibility. We are disappointed that the actions of a few will cost us all our time and money."

Critics argue these costs were entirely avoidable. Legal experts point to several missed opportunities to prevent the spending. Suggestions included initiating eminent domain proceedings before advancing design/construction, pausing the project to initiate eminent domain after receiving a demand letter, or selecting one of four alternative locations identified in the Strawberry Deep-Well Siting Report—none residentially centered. Instead, Ellsworth led PSWID to legal defeat, a court-ordered injunction halting the project, and an order to pay residents' legal fees.

Allegations of secrecy and intimidation also loom over Ellsworth's reign. Residents endured over a year of disruption – continuous 24-hour drilling operations, blocked streets, interruptions to essential services like trash collection, and more. Meanwhile, PSWID allocated significant district funds to survey neighboring properties for CCR violations as owners speculated PSWID's intent to enforce removal of homeowner tool sheds and greenhouses.

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In court filings and public meetings, Ellsworth conspired to shift blame for the project's location onto consultants Marvin Glotfelty of Geo-Logic and Paul Hendricks of EUSI. Both professionals denied responsibility, with Hendricks clarifying that the PSWID board held sole authority over the site selection.

Even after losing the original lawsuit, Ellsworth failed to complete legally required steps for eminent domain proceedings- namely, notifying affected landowners of the legal action against them. This oversight has triggered additional legal challenges and costs, further eroding community trust.

Residents are now calling for a leadership overhaul, demanding accountability, transparency, and responsible governing. Many question whether Ellsworth and remaining self-selected board members are capable of effectively representing the public's interests or able to ethically serve the community.