A lien filed by a municipality for property cleanup is only inferior to which type of lien?

A lien filed by a municipality for property cleanup is effectively prioritized behind certain types of liens when it comes to the order of repayment during foreclosure or sale processes. The correct answer underscores that municipal cleanup liens are only inferior to tax liens and liens for street improvement.

Tax liens are considered a priority because they represent the government's right to collect owed taxes, which are essential for funding public services. Liens for street improvement also hold a high position in the hierarchy of liens since they pertain to public infrastructure improvements that benefit the property directly. These types of liens ensure that governmental entities can recover costs associated with maintaining public welfare and infrastructure, thus they take precedence over cleanup liens.

In contrast, utility liens, mortgage liens, and judgment liens do not have the same level of priority as tax liens or street improvement liens due to the nature of their rights. While they can affect property ownership and are enforceable, they fall below the strict necessities related to tax obligations and public infrastructure enhancements. Therefore, the ranking established in the correct answer reflects the established legal priorities that municipalities must adhere to when seeking recovery through liens on properties.