Zabel Schellenberg assists municipalities and public entities with the review and enforcement of liens arising from certain unpaid water and sewer charges, sewer assessments, blight penalties, and other municipal obligations secured by real property under Connecticut law. Our attorneys draw on experience in municipal law, real estate, and foreclosure litigation to evaluate these claims and pursue legally available remedies.

Unlike ordinary property tax liens, other municipal liens may arise under different statutes or ordinances and may be subject to distinct requirements concerning their creation, recording, priority, notice, assignment, or enforcement. We approach each matter by first identifying the governing legal authority and verifying the nature and status of the claim.

Sewer Assessments and Sewer Use Charges

Delinquent sewer assessments and sewer connection or use charges can create substantial collection concerns for municipalities and water pollution control authorities. Connecticut law provides enforcement mechanisms for qualifying charges and assessments, including liens that may be enforceable through foreclosure in appropriate circumstances.

Our attorneys assist in reviewing the underlying charges, payment and assessment records, recorded liens, ownership and title information, and applicable procedural requirements. We also evaluate relevant restrictions and notice obligations, which can differ from those involved in a conventional property tax lien foreclosure.

We work with WPCA personnel, finance departments, tax collectors where applicable, and other public officials to assemble reliable records and determine an appropriate course of action.

Water Charges, Blight Liens, and Related Municipal Claims

Certain municipal water charges, blight penalties, and other authorized code-enforcement assessments may also give rise to liens or collection remedies affecting real property. The availability and scope of enforcement depend on the particular statute, municipal ordinance, property, and circumstances involved.

We assist public-sector clients in determining whether a claim has become an enforceable lien, identifying the interests affected, reviewing priority and recording questions, and assessing whether foreclosure or another authorized remedy is appropriate. We avoid assuming that a charge is foreclosable merely because it appears on a municipal account or has been recorded against a property.

From Lien Review to Litigation

Where enforcement litigation is appropriate, our attorneys assist with title review, identification of necessary parties, preparation of pleadings, service and notice issues, evaluation of payment or redemption developments, and the procedures required to obtain and implement relief.

These matters can involve overlapping liens, competing property interests, or ongoing disputes about the validity or amount of the underlying obligation. Our experience in municipal foreclosure and civil litigation helps us address those issues while keeping the public entity's objectives and resources in view.

Coordinated Counsel for Municipal Departments and Authorities

Collection of municipal charges often requires cooperation among WPCAs, utility departments, tax collectors, finance personnel, town clerks, and outside title professionals. We work with those participants to identify outstanding documentation, communicate case developments, and help clients understand the options available for particular accounts.

Our goal is to provide careful, responsive representation that protects valid municipal interests and promotes informed, practical decisions about lien enforcement and resolution.

Related Services: Foreclosure; WPCA and Intermunicipal Agreements; Municipal Real Estate; Municipal & Government Law