[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.