[HISTORY: Adopted by the Cayuga County Legislature as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 11-10-1986 by L.L. No. 1-1986]
It is the intent of this article to indemnify the Cayuga County Sheriff, Undersheriff, Sheriff's Department employees and County Jail employees against personal liability for any legal claims arising out of their official duties.
Traditionally, the Sheriff, Undersheriff and all employees of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Department have been protected against personal liability for any and all acts relating to their official duties under policies of law enforcement liability insurance paid for by the County. The cost of providing this insurance has now escalated to such an extent that the County has determined it best to discontinue such coverage. Consequently, the Sheriff has indicated it would be impossible for him or her to continue acting in the capacity of Sheriff of Cayuga County without guarantees of personal protection. It is therefore deemed to be in the best interest of the County to enact this article indemnifying the Sheriff for any and all acts relating to his or her duties as Sheriff of Cayuga County, said indemnification to expressly include both his or her civil and criminal functions, as well as his or her functions relating to the Cayuga County Jail.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Conditioned upon an annual payment of $1 to the County, the County of Cayuga does hereby agree and covenant to provide for the defense of the Cayuga County Sheriff, Undersheriff and Sheriff's Department and County Jail employees by the County Attorney, or his or her authorized designee, in any civil action or proceeding arising out of any act or omission of the Sheriff, Undersheriff and Sheriff's Department and County Jail employees which occurred, or allegedly occurred, while they were acting within the scope of their duties as Sheriff, Undersheriff and Sheriff's Department and County Jail employees; and the County further covenants and agrees to indemnify said parties in the amount of any judgment obtained against him or her in such action or proceeding or in the amount of any settlement thereof. Further, the Chair of the County Legislature shall, upon the advice of the County Attorney, execute any and all documents necessary to accomplish the foregoing.