Opinion ID: 1299095
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Was There Sufficient Evidence to Support Sac City's Claim?

Text: Citizens now argues there was insufficient evidence to support trial court's finding of $196,337.41 in underlying indebtedness to Sac City and therefore no support for Sac City's claim to any of the proceeds held by the third party bank. Of course if we agree we need not reach the major priority issue in this appeal. Sac City argues the indebtedness owed it was sufficiently established and this issue was not raised below. It is true, as Citizens asserts, that even in a law action a trial court finding that has no support in the record must be set aside. See Novak Equipment, Inc. v. Hartl, 168 N.W.2d 924, 926 (Iowa 1969). Here, of course, we are reviewing the evidence de novo. We give weight to the findings of the trial court, especially when considering the credibility of witnesses, but we are not bound by them. Iowa R.App.P. 14(f)(7). In this declaratory judgment action the fighting issue, both in the pleadings and evidence, was the priority of the respective liens, not the amount of indebtedness owed Sac City. Both parties introduced exhibits evidencing various sums owed to Sac City, in a total amount more than Sac City ultimately claimed. The president of Sac City more than once testified without objection to the balance owed. Citizens made no motion to enlarge trial court's findings or in any other manner drew to the attention of the court or Sac City the alleged omission it now relies on. We hold Citizens' contentions in this regard are without merit.