Section 56. Preference over contractors

When a laborer, subcontractor or
  material man shall perform labor or furnish materials for an improvement
  of real property or for a public improvement, for which he  is  entitled
  to  a  mechanic's  lien,  the amount due to him shall be paid out of the
  proceeds of the sale of such property or out of the moneys of the  state
  or  public  corporation  applicable to the construction or demolition of
  the public improvement, under any judgment  rendered  pursuant  to  this
  article, before any part of such proceeds is paid to the person for whom
  he  has  performed  such  labor  or furnished such materials. If several
  notices of lien are filed for the same claim, as  where  the  contractor
  has  filed  a  notice  of lien, for the services of his workmen, and the
  workmen have also filed notices of lien, the judgment shall provide  for
  but one payment of the claim which shall be paid to the parties entitled
  thereto.  Payment  voluntarily made upon any claim filed as a lien shall
  not impair or diminish the lien of any person except the person to  whom
  the payment was made.