Lee v. Town of Mellette

Haney, P. J. The object of this action is to enjoin the collection of a special tax. Defendants being in default their application for leave to answer was denied on the ground that their proposed answer failed to state any defense. Judgment was entered in fayor of the plaintiffs, and the defendants appealed. [587] The defendant corporation was created and governed by the law relating to incorporated towns (Comp. Laws, §§ 1022-1094). Did it have power to assess the cost of laying water mains in its streets against abutting property? “It is a principle universally declared and admitted that municipal corporations can levy no taxes, general or special, upon the inhabitants or their property, unless the power be plainly and unmistakably conferred.^ It has, indeed, often been said that it must be specifically granted in terms; but all courts agree that the authority must be given either in express words or by necessary or unmistakable implication, and that it cannot be collected by doubtful inferences from other powers, or powers relating to other subjects, nor can it be deduced from any consideration of convenience or advantage.” 2 Dill. Mun. Corp. § 763. The statute was evidently framed with care, in harmony with the theory that the corporations provided for would possess only such powers as were conferred thereby. It is comprehensive and elaborate. The powers intended to be granted are enumerated with precision and in detail. Where no power existed prior to the. operation of the statute, and none exists independently of it, the maxim, “Bxprcssio unins est exclusio alterius,” is applicable. An examination of the statute will disclose no express authority for making abutting property owners pay for water mains, while it does expressly authorize special assessments for other clearly defined street improvements. No power, either express or implied, existed to levy the taxes against the plaintiffs’ property, collection of which is sought to be enjoined, and such taxes are entirely illegal. The objection that two causes of action in favor of different plaintiffs are united in the complaint, if ever valid, was waived by defendants’ failure to demur. Comp Laws, §§ 4912, 4913. The contention that plaintiffs are not entitled to an injunction [588] is untenable. Where, as in this case, there is a total want of authority to levy the tax, relief by injunction may properly be allowed. Dakota Loan & Trust Co. v. Codington County, 9 S. D. 159, 68 N. W. 314; Town of Lebanon v. Ohio & M. Ry. Co., 77 Ill. 539; Kimball v. Trust Co., 89 Ill. 611; Allwood v. Cowen, III Ill. 481. The judgment of the circuit court is affirmed.