Opinion ID: 2001431
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: county's refusal to pass a resolution approving association's solid waste facility was arbitrary and capricious.

Text: The main issue is whether the circuit court erred in determining that County's action in refusing to approve Association's facility was arbitrary and capricious, and in directing it to pass a resolution approving the facility. Pursuant to SDCL 7-8-30, an appeal to the circuit court from the decision of the county commissioners is to be heard and determined de novo, that is, the circuit court should determine the issues before it on appeal as if they had been brought before the court originally. We review the findings made by the circuit court using the clearly erroneous standard, giving due deference to the lower court's opportunity to view the evidence and witnesses. Bryant v. Butte County, 457 N.W.2d 467 (S.D.1990). However, we accord no deference to the legal conclusions of the circuit court. Id. County does not identify any particular basis upon which it challenges either the factual findings of the circuit court or the legal conclusion that it acted arbitrarily in denying Association's request. County simply lists the facts it suggests support rejection of Association's facility. In reviewing the extensive and detailed findings of the circuit court, [7] it is apparent that County presented much of this same evidence below, and the court specifically found their objections to be without merit. Other factual matters were not presented to the circuit court. County does not, however, identify any particular finding of the circuit court as erroneous, and we are not required to search the record in an attempt to find a basis to reverse the decision of the circuit court. There is ample evidence in the record to support the factual findings made by the circuit court. Thus, we cannot say the findings are clearly erroneous. County has also failed to articulate any basis which would justify a reversal of the circuit court's legal conclusion that their action was arbitrary and capricious. Action is arbitrary and capricious if it is based on personal, selfish, or fraudulent motives, or on false information, and is characterized by a lack of relevant and competent evidence to support the action taken. Hendriks v. Anderson, 522 N.W.2d 499 (S.D.1994); Iversen v. Wall Board of Education, 522 N.W.2d 188 (S.D.1994); Riter v. Woonsocket School Dist. # 55-4, 504 N.W.2d 572 (S.D.1993). In this regard, we must review the factual basis supporting the circuit court's conclusion. The court's relevant findings state: 42. On May 3, 1994, the Association requested reapproval. It was unjustifiably denied. The only question raised by the commissioners was whether out of state garbage would be allowed at the landfill. No discussion was held as to whether the design was unsafe or that it violated or was prohibited under any Brule County ordinance or regulation. 43. Brule County's unreasonable refusal to grant [Association's] request for approval on May 3, 1994 was oppressive because a majority of the commissioners wanted a compost facility, which they admitted, was not allowed under Brule County's zoning ordinances.       58. [An objection to the] location of the landfill was voiced by some of the commissioners[. H]owever if the county commission objected to the location, they didn't have to sell the land or grant the Special Exception to [Association]. It would be unjust, and unfair for the county commission to now be able to change their decisions.       60. The plans are not hard to read and clearly show the eventual height along with the different phases of construction and the contours of the pile. The Court finds that the size of the pile is not a legitimate reason to now deny approval. The size of the final pile that [Association] requested approval of in May of 1994 is basically the same as the size of the pile that is contained in the plans that were presented to the county commissioners in the spring of 1993. 61. The Court further finds that the Brule County Commissioners willfully and unreasonably disregarded the decision of the BME. Based upon these findings, the circuit court drew the following legal conclusions: 8. Brule County's willful refusal to reapprove [Association's] proposed landfill in light of the BME's decision was unjustifiable. 9. Brule County's unreasonable refusal to grant [Association's] request for approval on May 3, 1994 was oppressive, and arbitrary because a majority of the commissioners wanted a compost facility, which they admitted, was not allowed under Brule County's zoning ordinances. 10. The proposed facility and the granting of approval of the proposed facility by Brule County is in the best interest and general welfare of the public. 11. [Association's] proposed facility, if operated in accordance with [its] representations and the conditions adopted by the DENR, will be environmentally safe. 12. The BME has found that [Association's] landfill facility including the leachate collection system, and clay liner to be a safe design and Brule County cannot now recklessly disregard the BME's decision or argue that this landfill facility is an unsafe project because Brule County has had an opportunity to contest those issues before the BME.       16. A number of counties and municipalities relied upon the actions of the Brule County Commissioners in approving the sale of land and grant of special exception to [Association]. Other counties and municipalities have spent money in reliance [on] Brule County's approvals. For the Brule County Commissioners to stop this landfill facility now without any sound basis is not appropriate and [is] unreasonable. 17. The Brule County Commissioners' refusal to reapprove the [Association's] facility on May 3, 1994 was arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable. The evidence presented at the de novo trial demonstrated that the newly-developed opposition to Association's proposed facility was not based on any legitimate concerns over the design or operation of the facility. Indeed, the state agency in charge of permitting and regulation of solid waste facilities had given its approval as the proposed facility met all legal requirements and furthered the legislative policy of promoting regional waste disposal alternatives. See SDCL 34A-16-49. In addition, the circuit court specifically found that the proposed facility complied with all applicable county regulations and ordinances, and that the opposition voiced by the commissioners was based on their personal desires for an alternative compost facility. When presented with such evidence, it is apparent that approval of the facility was supported by the record, and there was an absence of any competent facts to support County's decision to withhold its approval. Thus, the circuit court correctly concluded that County's refusal to pass a resolution of approval was arbitrary and capricious. We have concluded that it is unnecessary to reach the constitutional issue raised by Association. Affirmed. MILLER, C.J., and SABERS, AMUNDSON, KONENKAMP, and GILBERTSON, JJ., participating.