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Finch v. Grays Harbor County, 121 Wash. 486, 209 P. 833, 24 A.L.R. 644

Facts

Edward C. Finch contested the assessed valuation of his lands by Grays Harbor County, which was set at $31,605, claiming the fair cash value was only $15,500. Finch tendered a payment of $629.53 based on his valuation, which was refused by the county treasurer. The trial court agreed with Finch, determining that the assessor's valuation was excessively inflated and amounted to constructive fraud.

The assessor placed an assessed valuation of the lands involved in the action in the sum of $31,605, presumably 50 per cent. of the fair value in money of the lands.

Issue

Did the trial court err in finding that the assessed valuation of Finch's lands was grossly excessive and constituted constructive fraud?

Rule

Property must be assessed at not to exceed fifty percent of its true and fair value in money, and speculative values cannot be used for assessment purposes.

All property shall be assessed at not to exceed fifty per cent. of its true and fair value in money.

Analysis

The court applied the rule by examining the evidence presented regarding the actual condition and market value of the lands. It found that the assessor's valuation was based on speculative future potential rather than the current state of the property, which was largely unimproved and had limited market demand. The court concluded that the valuation was not reflective of the true cash value of the property.

The court must concur in the view of the trial court that the valuation was grossly excessive to the extent that it found in the decree.

Conclusion

The court affirmed the trial court's decision, agreeing that the assessed valuation was grossly excessive and constituted constructive fraud.

The judgment was right, and is affirmed.

Who won?

Edward C. Finch prevailed in the case because the court found the county's assessed valuation to be excessively inflated and not reflective of the property's true market value.

The trial judge viewed the lands during the trial.

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