Case Name: Oshkosh Water Works Company, Appellant, vs. Railroad Commission, Respondent
Court: Wisconsin Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Wisconsin
Decision Date: 1915-06-01
Citations: 161 Wis. 122
Docket Number: 
Parties: Oshkosh Water Works Company, Appellant, vs. Railroad Commission, Respondent.
Judges: 
Reporter: Wisconsin Reports
Volume: 161
Pages: 122–135

Head Matter:
Oshkosh Water Works Company, Appellant, vs. Railroad Commission, Respondent.
May 5
June 1, 1915.
Public utilities: Purchase by cities: Valuation: Elements of value: Investment: Earnings: Going value: Reproduction cost: Water pipes laid before paving: Decision by railroad commission: When set aside: Action: Finding by court: Bxirden and degree of proof: Outstanding bonds: Premium: Order for payment: Taxes assessed before purchase, by whom payable: Constitutional law: Provision for annual tax: Harmless error.
1. In the valuation of a public utility for condemnation or sale purposes, the essential elements usually to he considered are the present value of its physical property, the present and prospective reasonable earnings of its business, the going value thereof, and the amount of money presently needed to put the plant in good condition.
2. In determining the value of the physical property due regard should be had to the original cost thereof, the reproduction cost, the amount of depreciation, and the amount of obsolescence.
3. The “going value” of a utility is that part of its value due to its having an existing established business. In fixing its amount the actual cost of establishing the utility in question as modified by what under all the circumstances ought to have been its reasonable cost, as well as the reasonable cost of establishing like enterprises under similar conditions, may be considered.
4. Since the valuation of a utility cannot be reduced to absolutely fixed rules or to the mere appraisal of parts whose sum equals its value, but involves the exercise of sound and competent business judgment upon many elements of uncertain and debatable value, grave errors in arriving at and seriously affecting the final result must be shown before a valuation by the railroad commission will be set aside.
5. In determining the value of a utility a consideration of reproduction cost is profitable and proper only in so far as it will aid in determining the ultimate fact to be ascertained, namely, the just present value of the utility as an entity.
6. Generally, cost less depreciation will fairly represent value; for that reason cost is an important element in determining value, and reproduction cost is also important, but there may be elements that enter into both cost and reproduction cost that do not enhance value.
7. Thus, in determining the value of waterworks, the extra cost of reproducing under paved streets water pipes- which were laid before the paving was done, was in this case properly disregarded.
8. The original investment is a valuable aid in determining the present value of a utility, but it is not controlling.
9. Earnings, if derived from a reasonable rate, are important factors-in determining the value of a utility, but are not in themselves conclusive.
10. In an action under sec. 1797m — 83, Stats. 1913, to review an order of the railroad commission fixing the compensation to be paid by a city for the taking of the property of a public utility, the finding by the trial court that the compensation fixed by the commission is “lawful” is a'finding that it is just and adequate, and shows that the court passed upon the question of value.as-an original question of fact.
11. Under sec. 1797m — 84, the compensation fixed by the commission must stand unless the plaintiff “shall establish to the full satisfaction of the court . . . that -such compensation is unlawful,” etc., and this does more than merely throw the burden of proof upon plaintiff, since it requires more than a preponderance of the evidence.
12. It is the property of a utility which is to be purchased by a city, not a mere equity of redemption therein; and where bonds secured by a trust deed of the property were outstanding when the compensation was fixed, but might be called at any time upon payment of a premium, and the compensation fixed was more than sufficient to pay the full amount of the bonds including the premium, the railroad commission properly ordered the company to call in and cancel the bonds and turn the utility over to the city free from all liens.
13. No rights of the bondholders being adversely affected by such order, they were not necessary parties to the proceeding.
14. The company in such a case is not entitled to receive the compensation without calling in the bonds. When it accepted an indeterminate permit it agreed to sell to the city at any time the latter might elect; and the city is under no obligation to assume the company’s obligations or to pay anything more than the full value of the utility.
15. The property of a waterworks company being, under sec. 51.43 (p. 845) Stats. 1913, deemed personal property for purposes of taxation, the taxes thereon based upon the assessment made on May 1st were properly payable by the company, not by the city, although the city purchased the property and took possession thereof in the following October.
16. The provision of sec. 3, art. XI, Const., that a city acquiring a public utility shall provide for the collection of a direct annual tax to pay therefor, is for the protection of the utility; and when it appears that the city has the money on hand and has made lawful tender thereof to the utility, a noncompliance with the provision becomes a harmless error.
Appeal from a judgment of the circuit court for Dane county: E. Ray Stevens, Circuit Judge.
Affirmed.
Action under sec. 1797m — 83, Stats. 1913, to set aside an order of the Railroad Commission fixing the amount of compensation to he paid by the city of Oshkosh to the plaintiff for its property and the terms of payment. The plaintiff was granted a franchise June 18, 18S3, to erect and maintain a system of waterworks in the city of Oshkosh. It operated under such franchise till January 18, 1910, when it voluntarily surrendered it for an indeterminate permit under the Public Utility Law (ch. 499, Laws 1907: secs. 1797m — 1 to 1797m — 109, Stats. 1913).
In 1902 bonds payable in twenty years and secured by a trust deed upon plaintiff’s property were issued. The deed contains a provision that if plaintiff calls these bonds due it shall pay the bondholders a premium of seven and one-half per cent, upon the face of the same. At the time this action was begun such bonds to the amount of $424,000 were outstanding. In LTovember, 1912, the city of Oshkosh voted to purchase the property of the plaintiff, and the Railroad Commission took jurisdiction of the matter as provided by sec. 1797m — 82. On September 27, 1913, it filed an order providing :
“(1) That the just compensation to be paid to the Oshkosh Water Works Company for the taking of the property of said company, actually used and useful for the convenience of the public, by the city of Oshkosh, which property consists in the items above described, excepting, as stated, the stock and material on hand, and the additions to the plant that have been made since January 1, 1913, be and the same is hereby fixed at five hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($525,000).
“(2) That in addition to the above compensation, the materials and supplies on hand at the date of the taking of the said plant and the new additions to the plant that have been made since January 1, 1913, be paid for by the said city of Oshkosh at such price as may be agreed upon by the parties themselves, or, in case the parties fail to agree upon the price, at such price as the Commission shall fix by supplemental order.
“(3) That the said city of Oshkosh pay to the said Oshkosh Water Works Company the compensation herein fixed, and the price of said materials and supplies and said additions to said plant, within six months of the date hereof, with interest at the rate of six per cent, per annum from the date of taking possession of said plant by said city until the same is fully paid.”
To review such order the plaintiff brought this action in the circuit court for Dane county pursuant to sec. 1797m— 83. The trial court found as facts: “(1) That on September 27, 1913, the above named defendant, in a proceeding duly had before said Commission, fixed the sum of $525,000 as the fair compensation to be paid by the city of Oshkosh to the plaintiff, as the owner of the Oshkosh waterworks, for the property of the plaintiff used and useful in supplying the city of Oshkosh and its inhabitants with water. (2) That the compensation so fixed by said Commission is lawful, that the terms and conditions of the sale fixed by said Commission are reasonable, and that none of said terms and conditions are unreasonable.”
As a conclusion of law the court found: “That judgment be entered confirming the award of the Commission, that neither party recover costs, but that plaintiff pay the fees of the clerk of the above entitled court.”
Erom a judgment entered accordingly the plaintiff appealed.
Eor the appellant there was a brief by Kreuizer, Bird, Bosenberry & Olconeshi, attorneys, and John M. Olin, of counsel, and oral argument by Glaire B. Bird.
For tbe respondent there was a brief by the Attorney General and Waller Drew, deputy attorney general, attorneys,, and B. A. Hollister, corporation counsel for the city of Oshkosh, of counsel, and the cause was argued orally by Mr. Drew,. Mr. H. I. Weed, Mr. Hollister, and Mr. B. J. Dempsey.

Opinion:
Vinje, J.
The validity of the judgment is challenged (1) because it failed to adjudge that the sum of $525,000 is-less than just compensation for the taking of the property 'appraised; (2) because the trial court should have passed upon the question of value as. an original question of fact,, giving the decision of the Commission the effect of only casting upon plaintiff the burden of proof, if not already there; (3) because, construing the statute as the court did to authorize the appraisal of the whole property, the order should' have been adjudged void for want of jurisdiction in the Commission; (4) because the Commission should have valued plaintiff's equity of redemption by itself and ordered its-value paid unconditionally to the plaintiff, or (5) it should have made some other provision so that the plaintiff could ob- \/ tain its money without being required to mature its bonds by paying a premium thereon, they being worth in the market not more than their face; (6) because the order did not provide for crediting plaintiff with the sum of $8,481.25 taxes levied against its property for the year 1913, the city having-taken possession thereof October 4, 1913; and (7) because the order of the Commission should have fixed a time within which the city should be required to pay or provide for the payment of the money before it could take possession thereunder. The first four assignments of error attack the validity of the whole judgment, while the last three claim the order is unreasonable in not making the provisions mentioned and call only for á modification of the judgment.
In tbe proper valuation of a public utility for condemnation or sale purposes certain main elements usually present in «very case may legitimately be considered. These are tbe present value of its physical property; tbe present and prospective reasonable earnings of its business; tbe going value thereof; and tbe amount of money presently needed to put tbe plant in good condition. There may be other elements, but these are generally tbe essential ones. In determining tbe value of tbe physical property due regard should be bad to tbe original cost thereof; tbe reproduction cost; tbe amount of depreciation; and tbe amount of obsolescence. Tbe going value of a utility is that part of its value due to its having an existing established business. In fixing its amount tbe actual cost of establishing tbe utility in question as modified by what under all tbe circumstances ought to have been its reasonable cost, as well as tbe reasonable cost of establishing like enterprises under similar conditions, may be considered. Tbe element of going value is usually one whose quantum is not easily subject to mathematical demonstration. That in a measure is true of all tbe other elements of value. And it is equally true that tbe elements of value spoken of, or others if there be any, may not in their aggregate represent tbe just value of tbe utility. Such value may be more or less than tbe aggregate of tbe sum of tbe elements found. And it may be that some elements that enter into tbe main elements of value above stated should be entirely eliminated in fixing tbe just value of tbe utility as an entity. Its value must be fixed as such. Chicago & N. W. R. Co. v. State, 128 Wis. 553, 108 N. W. 557; Appleton W. W. Co. v. Railroad Comm. 154 Wis. 121, 142 N. W. 476. It is because tbe valuation of a utility cannot be reduced to absolutely fixed rules, or to tbe mere appraisal of parts whose sum equals its value, that tbe subject is one upon which honest and competent men differ. In tbe last analysis it is tbe exercise of a sound and competent business judgment upon many elements of uncertain and debatable value considered as a business entity. lienee grave errors in arriving at and seriously affecting tbe final result must be shown before a valuation of the Commission can be set aside.
In the present case it is not claimed that the Commission did not take into account the main elements of value, but it is argued that an entirely inadequate amount was placed upon going value or else the Commission erroneously failed to consider an item of about $54,000 extra reproduction cost of laying pipes under pavements. In their decision the Commission present a table showing the cost of-reproduction and the present value of the different groups into which they divide the plant. They find the reproduction cost to be $514,215 and the present value to be $453,541. These items include an item of $1,261 for reproduction cost of laying pipes under paving actually disturbed by the utility in laying their pipes, but do not include an item of about $54,000 reproduction cost of now disturbing paving over pipes laid before there was any paving. The Commission in discussing the table say:
"By including the reproduction cost and present value of all paving now existing over mains, whether' disturbed or not, the cost of reproduction for the first six groups becomes $569,510, present value becomes $507,149. These of course must include allowance for overhead charges. The totals for the property therefore become $579,808 cost of reproduction, and $510,953 present value."
From this statement plaintiff argues that in fixing the value of the plant as an entirety the Commission placed a present valúe of $510,953 upon the physical property and hence allowed only the difference between such sum and the total valuation of $525,000 for going value, an entirely inadequate sum it is claimed. While the Commission included the reproduction cost of all paving in arriving at the stated present value of the plant, it does not follow that they ac tually Included it in making tbeir final award of the just value of the plant as an entirety. That they did not is probable from the fact that they do not include the sum of $54,000 in the table of reproduction cost set out in their opinion and from the fact that they say "paving is of relatively little importance "in this case." An amount of $54,000 in a total valuation of $525,000 would not be relatively unimportant, while an amount of $1,267 would be so. But there is other language in the opinion of the Commission that renders it doubtful whether or not the item of $54,000 was omitted in arriving at the final award. In the concluding part thereof they say:
"The cost of reproduction of the physical property, excluding materials and supplies and nonoperating property, but including all paving now over mains, is $569,510, the corresponding present value $510,953. Bearing these facts in mind, as well as the present condition of the plant, the needed changes, its capitalized value on an unduly low depreciation rate, and also certain important features of the original franchise under which the company existed for most of its life, it is the judgment of the Commission that $525,000 represents fair compensation to the owners of the company for the property used and useful for the convenience of the public, regarding that property as an entity."
One thing is evident. The Commission either allowed $54,000 for reproduction cost of paving not disturbed and about $14,000 for going value in their final award, or else they disregarded the item of $54,000 and allowed about $68,000 for going value.
A consideration of reproduction cost is profitable and proper only in so far as it will aid in determining the ultimate fact to be ascertained by the Commission, namely, the just present value of the utility as an entity. If it is apparent that an evidentiary fact will not so aid the Commission or that it will lead to erroneous results, such evidentiary fact should be disregarded. Cost does not always equal value. Neither does cost less depreciation always equal value. Generally cost less depreciation will fairly represent value. For that reason it is an important element in determining value. The reproduction cost is also important. But there may be elements that enter into both cost and reproduction cost that do not enhance value. The increased cost in a given case of producing a particular result may not add to the market value of such result. While it might cost $54,000 more to replace pipes under paved streets than under unpaved streets, pipes under paved streets would not be worth more for waterworks purposes than pipes under unpaved streets. It is doubtful if they would be worth as much owing to the lessened cost of making repairs on pipes laid in unpaved streets. The increased amount of business, if any, resulting from paved streets would manifest itself in the earnings of the company and would be properly considered in that item. It should not be twice considered.
In rate-making eases reproduction cost of laying pipes under pavement has been disregarded. People ex rel. Kings Co. L. Co. v. Willcox, 210 N. Y. 479, 104 N. E. 911; Cedar Rapids G. L. Co. v. Cedar Rapids, 144 Iowa, 426, 120 N. W. 966, affirmed in 223 U. S. 655, 32 Sup. Ct. 389; Des Moines Gas Co. v. Des Moines, 199 Fed. 204. The present reasonable value of the utility determines rate as well as price. In both the original investment is a valuable aid in determining the present value of the property, but it is not controlling. It is only one of several items to be considered in arriving at present value, whether for purchase or rate-making purposes. If the original investment was extravagant or if parts of the physical property have become obsolete, the public should not be required to pay on original cost either by way of rate or purchase. On the other hand, if the original investment was prudent and values have enhanced the utility should reap the benefit thereof both in rate and selling price.
An elimination of the item $54,000 results, as before* stated, in an allowance of about $68,000 for going value. Under the evidence such sum is reasonably adequate. If the Commission erred in allowing only $14,000 for going value, such error was cured by its allowance of $54,000 for reproduction cost of paving not disturbed. If it did not allow the $54,000 item, then it allowed $68,000 for going value. In either case the plaintiff was not prejudiced.
Some argument is made that the other items of physical property were unduly depreciated by the Commission, but we cannot say that the circuit court erred in affirming the findings made by it as to them. While it appears that the net earnings of the plaintiff are about $40,000 per year, it also appears that it would require upwards of $100,000 to put the plant in good condition. Earnings, if derived from a reasonable rate, are important factors in determining value. But like all other factors they are not in themselves conclusive. Upon the whole evidence we discover no valid ground for disturbing the valuation fixed by the Commission upon the property of the plaintiff as an entity and approved by the trial court.
It is urged that the trial court did not pass upon the question of value as an original question of fact, but merely held that the Commission had committed no error in its proceedings and so affirmed the award. In this counsel is mistaken. The first finding of the court recites that the Commission fixed $525,000 as the compensation to be paid the plaintiff for its waterworks system. The second finding is "that the compensation so fixed by the Commission is lawful." This finding is short, but it answers the legal call. In finding that the compensation fixed by the Commission was lawful the court found that it was just and adequate, else it could not -be lawful.
The statute, sec. 1797m — 84, however, does more than merely throw the burden of proof upon the plaintiff. Upon appeal from an order of the Commission the burden rests upon Trim to establish, "to the full satisfaction of the court" that the compensation fixed is unlawful. If be cannot so satisfy the court the compensation fixed by the Commission stands. Essentially the same provisions are contained in sec. 1 797ro — 70. These statutory provisions require something more than a mere preponderance of the evidence to overthrow the findings of the Commission. The evidence of error must be "clear and satisfactory" or error must be established "to the full satisfaction of the court," in order to warrant it in declaring the findings unlawful. The statutory words used are so simple and expressive that attempted explanation thereof would serve only to confuse.
From the statement of facts it will be seen that bonds secured by a trust deed upon the property of the plaintiff were, at the time compensation was fixed, outstanding to the amount of $424,000. . It is claimed that proper service upon the bondholders was not had and hence the Commission and the court had no jurisdiction of them. We shall not inquire into or determine whether or not the bondholders were properly served by the statutory publication, since they are not necessary parties to this proceeding. It appears that the plaintiff has the right to call in the bonds at any time by paying a premium of seven and one-half per cent. It further appears that the compensation fixed by the Commission is more than sufficient to pay the full amount of the bonds including the premium, and that the Commission required plaintiff to call in and cancel the bonds and turn over the utility free from all liens. This the plaintiff has a right to do and this the Commission can require to be done, and if this is done no right of any bondholder is in any way adversely affected. Each bondholder agreed that plaintiff might declare the bonds due at any time and have them canceled upon paying their face and premium. Since the order of the Commission operates only upon plaintiff and requires it to do no more than it has a per-feet contract right with its bondholders to do, they are in no wise concerned in the proceeding. Their rights are fully protected by the order made, and no rights of plaintiff are invaded by it.
The statute does not contemplate that a mere equity of redemption shall be valued by the Commission and purchased by the city. It is the property of the utility that is bought. Green Bay & M. C. Co. v. Kaukauna G., E. L. & P. Co. 157 Wis. 412, 147 N. W. 701. And where the compensation awarded is sufficient to pay up all existing liens and they are ripe for payment, they must be paid by the utility and the property turned over to the city freed from any and all outstanding claims.
What has already been said disposes of the claim that the Commission should, have provided that plaintiff receive its money without calling in its bonds. When it accepted an indeterminate permit it agreed to sell to the city at any time the latter might elect, and it must then have contemplated that if the city did so elect before the bonds matured it would have to call them in. The city is under no duty to assume plaintiff's contract obligations. Green Bay & M. C. Co. v. Kaukauna G., E. L. & P. Co., supra. It is bound to pay only the just value of the utility. The fact that plaintiff has entered into a contract whereby it will cost it something to deliver the utility to the city cannot affect the reasonable value of the utility. The city is not concerned with the terms of settlement between the utility and its creditors so long as it receives the property free from liens. To require the city to pay the premium would be to require it to pay the bonus plaintiff agreed to pay for the use of money. Municipalities have nothing to do with past obligations incurred by the utility except in so far as they may be a lien upon the property bought. If they are, the utility must satisfy them out of the purchase price if that is sufficient to do so. That is all the Commission required in this case.
The city levied the sum of $8,481.25 taxes on plaintiff's property for tbe year 1913 on a valuation of $500,000. On October 4, 1914, by stipulation between tbe parties, it took possession of tbe plant as of October 1, 1913. It is claimed tbe city should pay tbe taxes for tbe year 1913. Except as provided in sec. 1040, Stats. 1913, all personal property shall be assessed as of tbe first day of May in each year. Sec. 1033, Stats. 1913. This property does not fall under tbe exception. By sec. 51.43 (p. 845) Stats. 1913, it is deemed personal property for tbe purpose of taxation. Sub. 8, sec. 1040, provides that no change in location or sale of any personal property after tbe first day of May in any year shall affect tbe assessment in such year. Tbe tax was a debt of tbe plaintiff incurred before tbe award was made, and tbe Commission properly held it was payable by plaintiff. Green Bay & M. C. Co. v. Kaukauna G., E. L. & P. Co. 157 Wis. 412, 147 N. W. 701; Allen v. Greenwood, 141 Wis. 626, 133 N. W. 1094; Bogue v. Laughlin, 149 Wis. 271, 136 N. W. 606. Tbe statutory provision requiring a tax on personal property to be paid by one who owns it May 1st, though a sale is made thereafter, works no inequity. Up to tbe time of sale be has tbe property — after that tbe purchase price, presumably equal to tbe value of tbe property.
Tbe last claim made is that tbe order of tbe Commission is unreasonable because it did not require tbe city to pay or provide tbe means of payment before it took possession of tbe plant. This objection, under tbe facts shown, has now no merit. It appears that on March 27, 1914, and within tbe six months fixed by tbe Commission tbe city duly tendered plaintiff tbe sum of $552,926.18, being tbe amount of tbe award of $525,000 and $11,821.53 agreed upon for additions and supplies, with interest on both sums from October 1, 1913, at six per cent. It also appears that such tender has at all times since been kept good. As pointed out in Janes v. Racine, 155 Wis. 1, 143 N. W. 707, tbe provision of sec. 3, art. XI, Const., that a city acquiring a public utility shall provide for the collection of a direct annual tax to pay therefor, is for the protection of the utility. When it appears, as it now does, that the city has the money on hand and has made lawful tender thereof to the utility, a noncompliance with the provision becomes a harmless error.
By the Court. — Judgment affirmed.