Opinion ID: 901890
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Issue V: Was Bodell Entitled to an Offset against Par Golf's Claims

Text: [¶ 35.] Bodell claims that it is entitled to offsets against Par Golf's claims for alleged failures of Par Golf to perform in accordance with the subcontract. See Hoaas v. Griffiths, 2006 SD 27, ¶ 20, 714 N.W.2d 61, 67 (providing that the right of an offset allows entities that owe each other money to apply their mutual debts against each other, thereby avoiding the absurdity of making A pay B when B owes A). At trial, Bodell sought to recover approximately $18,000, largely relating to the materials and labor needed to water and sod the detention pond. The circuit court disagreed, concluding that Par Golf was not obligated to provide the watering. The circuit court's memorandum decision noted: Change order No. 1 pertained to the sod but made no mention of irrigation. Par Golf warned Bodell in several letters that this was non-irrigated sod and will not live. Par Golf installed the sod but did no watering. Soon Bodell was complaining that the sod was shrinking and the grass was not growing. Bodell maintained that the specifications called for watering of the sod. Par Golf countered that watering was not included in the change order so it would be an extra. The plans contemplated that the area now to be sodded were originally to be planted in native grasses. There was no irrigation water then available in these curb and gutter areas. We agree with Par Golf that there was sufficient evidence for the circuit court to find that Bodell was responsible for any losses suffered because of the failure to water this sod. Because Defendants have not established that this finding was clearly erroneous, they failed to establish entitlement to an offset. [¶ 36.] Regarding the sodding, the record reflects that the need for sod at the detention pond arose after a 2005 spring flood washed out Par Golf's grass seeding and Par Golf was not responsible for that damage. Bodell, however, argues that Par Golf's reseeding was inadequate to meet contract specifications, thus requiring sodding. The circuit court, however, found: Bodell has sought a set-off for additional sod it had installed and watering it had done after Par Golf left the job site. Whether the sodding, for which Bodell now claims an offset[,] was necessary[ ]has not been established by a preponderance of the evidence. We affirm this factual finding because Defendants have not identified any evidence suggesting that the circuit court was clearly erroneous.