Eckfield v. State ( 1925 )

PARDEE, J.

Jesse Stone brought an action in mandamus to compel Fred Eckfield, the auditor of the city of Wellsville, to certify to the City Council that it did not have sufficient funds to pay a judgment held by Stone, and that he demand that the council issue bonds in accordance with powers granted in 2295-8 GC., and the money derived therefrom be used in payment of his judgment.

The city filed an answer alleging fraud by Stone and connivance with the former city solicitor in obtaining the judgment and asked that the enforcement of judgment be enjoined.

The Columbiana Commion Pleas held for Stone, and Eckfield prosecuted error to the Court of Appeals which held:

1. Since the judgment has been declared valid, the court will presume that the auditor made said certificate as required by law as stated in 5649-1 GC. but that if has not, he was justified in withholding the making of the same under the facts shown by the record until the validity of the judgment had been established.

2. By 2295-8 GC., no duty is specifically enjoined upon the auditor to make said certificate. He may do so or not, at his discretion. He is not required to use his discretion, but the section states that after he has made such certification, the council then may act.

3. A court in all actions in mandamus could not compel said officer to use his discretion, even though he were required to use same as to whether or not he should issue the certificate.

4. Judgment of lower court sustained as to the validity of the judgment rendered in favor of Stone against the city of Wellsville, but reversed as to the mandamus action.

Judgment accordingly.

Pardee, Washburn and Funk, JJ., of 9th District sitting by assignment.