If a municipality incurs expenses for securing or removing a structure, how can it recoup its money?

A municipality can recoup expenses related to securing or removing a structure by placing a lien on the property. When a lien is placed, it serves as a legal claim against the property for the amount owed. This ensures that the municipality is compensated for the expenses incurred, as the lien must be paid off when the property is sold or when current property taxes are settled.

This method is advantageous because it provides a mechanism for the municipality to recover its costs without needing to make an immediate financial outlay by the property owner. Additionally, liens are typically prioritized over other claims against the property, giving municipalities a secure means of ensuring payment for the cost of enforcement actions.

Raising property taxes, auctioning the property, or billing the property owner directly may not provide the same level of assurance or effectiveness in recovering the costs incurred in enforcement actions. Each of these alternatives may face legal or practical obstacles, making them less viable than placing a lien specifically tied to the expenses incurred by the municipality.