New York Consolidated Laws, Lien Law - LIE § 204. Disposition of proceeds

Of the proceeds of such sale, the lienor shall retain an amount sufficient to satisfy his lien, and the expenses of advertisement and sale.  The balance of such proceeds, if any, shall be held by the lienor subject to the demand of the owner, or his assignee or legal representative, or any person entitled to notice of sale pursuant to section two hundred one of this article.  A notice that such balance is so held shall be served personally or by mail upon all such persons.  If such balance is not claimed by any of such persons within thirty days from the day of sale, such balance shall be deposited with the treasurer or chamberlain of the city or village, or the commissioner of finance in the city of New York, or the supervisor of the town, where such sale was held.  There shall be filed with such deposit, the affidavit of the lienor, stating the name and place of business or residence of such persons, if known, the articles sold, the prices obtained therefor, that the notice required by this article was duly served and how served upon such persons, and that such sale was legally and how advertised.  There shall also be filed therewith a copy of the notice or judgment served upon such persons and the notice of sale published or posted as required by this article.  The officer with whom such balance is deposited shall credit the same to such persons, and pay the same to such persons on demand and satisfactory evidence of identity.  If such balance remains in the possession of such officer for a period of five years, unclaimed by a person legally entitled thereto, it shall be transferred to the general funds of the town, village or city, and be applied and used as other moneys belonging to such town, village or city.