Sewer Construction

Municipal Liens

Under Alabama law municipalities are granted the authority to impose public improvement liens and/or assessments for work undertaken for the public good. Work performed in this manner includes a many different types of public works projects. In addition to assessing liens, certain municipalities can construct improvements within their police jurisdictions but outside of their corporate limits . Allowed improvements include such things as sewer systems and streets.

The city or municipality first must pass a resolution or ordinance to resolve to make a specific improvement. Once the construction of the improvement is completed, the costs associated with it can be assessed against property abutting or adjoining it or benefited by it.

The city or municipality has the legal right to collect on its lien by a public sale of the property. The official conducting the sale will execute a deed to the new buyer. This sale will be subject to any other lien of the county or state for property taxes and any other assessment for different improvements. There is a two year right of redemption allowed from such a sale and under certain circumstances the redemption period may be extended to six years.

The materials provided on this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue,problem or questions.

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