How does an HOA go about placing a lien on an owners unit?

[Heidi M.]

I'm the treasurer on a small 3 unit HOA. The board had unanimously decided to paint the building this year. This would be a special assessment as the are no funds in the HOA to cover the costs. Today, out of the blue one of the unit owners, who happens to be the president, is suddenly stating they have no money for a special assessment or any dues increases. We are going to hold the meeting without him as he was invited and offer an option to attend via zoom. We would like to move forward with the painting. The other owners are willing to front the cost and bill him for the assessment and put a lien on his unit. Question is how do we go about placing a lien on a property?