Opinion ID: 1585011
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Whether a Contested Case Hearing is Required in Order to Satisfy Due Process.

Text: We next consider Peoples' argument that the failure of the commission to afford it a hearing on its proposed PGA reconciliation constituted a denial of due process of law. We considered a similar issue in Allegre v. Iowa State Board of Regents, 349 N.W.2d 112, 115-16 (Iowa 1984). We determined in that decision that due process does not require an evidentiary hearing with respect to controversies in which there is no relevant factual dispute between the agency and the party. Id. at 116 (quoting Bonfield, The Definition of Formal Agency Adjudication Under the Iowa Administrative Procedure Act, 63 Iowa L.Rev. 285, 330 (1977)). Based upon those considerations discussed in the preceding division of this opinion, we find that this is such a case. We also note in regard to Peoples' due process claim that the failure to hold an administrative hearing does not preclude the utility from seeking judicial review of the final agency action pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.19(1). In its petition for judicial review filed in the district court, Peoples coupled its challenge to the agency's refusal to afford it a hearing with a direct challenge to the merits of its order pursuant to section 17A.19(1). In view of the position which the district court took on the failure to afford a hearing, it did not deem it necessary to consider the legality of the commission's order on the merits. Because we find that the court erred in its determination that an evidentiary hearing was required, we reverse the judgment of the district court and remand this matter to that court for consideration of the remaining issues presented in Peoples' petition for judicial review. Because the stay order previously entered in this action by the district court fails to comply in several respects with our decision in Teleconnect Co. v. Iowa State Commerce Commission, 366 N.W.2d 511, 513-14 (Iowa 1985), we direct that that order shall cease to be effective upon issuance of the procedendo from this court. REVERSED AND REMANDED.