The purpose of this chapter is to adopt and accept the applicability
of § 18 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York to provide
for the defense and indemnification of officers and employees of the Town
of Ghent with respect to any civil action or proceeding, whether commenced
in state or federal court, arising out of any alleged act or omission occurring
or allegedly occurring while such officer and/or employee was acting within
the scope of his or her public employment or duties.
The Town Board of the Town of Ghent, New York, does hereby accept and
adopt the applicability of the provisions of § 18 of the Public
Officers Law of the State of New York and to confer the benefits provided
for thereunder upon its officers and employees (as defined in said law) and
to be liable for the cost incurred thereunder.
The benefits provided for under this chapter shall be secondary to any
applicable insurance coverage available to the officer or employee, whether
under a policy of insurance procured by the Town of Ghent or a policy of insurance
procured by the individual officer or employee.
This chapter shall take effect immediately and shall cover all actions
commenced against any officer or employee subsequent to its effective date.