(a) 
In the event any suit is filed in any court against an officer or employee of the city based upon acts performed within the scope of his or her official duties, the defendant in said suit shall give notice thereof to the secretary-manager in writing and shall furnish such additional information as the secretary-manager may request.
(b) 
In the event the plaintiff in said suit seeks damages or other relief against the defendant officer or employee in his official capacity, the council will authorize either the city attorney or other counsel selected by the council to actively defend such suit. In such case the city shall pay the reasonable legal fees, court costs and other reasonable expenses necessarily incurred in conducting such defense.
(c) 
In the event the plaintiff in said suit seeks relief against the city officer or employee only in his or her individual capacity, the secretary-manager shall investigate the charges alleged in the pleading and shall report his findings to the council. In such event the council may, but shall not be required to, authorize payment of fees, expenses and court costs reasonably necessary to defend such suit.
(d) 
In any such case no obligation upon the part of the city shall arise hereunder unless and until an ordinance authorizing payment of such legal fees and expenses has been duly passed and approved by the council.
(Ordinance 502 adopted 10/10/1978; 1996 Code, sec. 1-5)
(a) 
Mayor, council members and city manager.
Recognizing that costs of defending suits for damages for acts committed in the proper discharge of the duties of officers and employees of the city may often prove burdensome, and restrict diligent efforts to carry out public responsibilities, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the city to furnish and pay for legal services for the mayor, all council members, and the city manager when sued or threatened with suit or other litigation as a result of the proper discharge of their duties as public servants; and to pay any damages, costs and awards resulting therefrom.
(b) 
Other officers and employees.
The furnishing and payment for such services and damages for other officers and employees of the city shall be completely discretionary on the part of the city council, and the council's decision as to whether or not such services shall be furnished or paid for by the city, and whether or not the actions or activities which are the subject matter of the litigation or threatened litigation are acts performed by the persons involved in pursuit of their official duties for the city, shall be final.
(Ordinance 624 adopted 3/8/1982; 1996 Code, sec. 1-6)
The specific ordinances providing for participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System, as adopted by the city, are not included in this chapter, but they are hereby specifically saved from repeal and shall be maintained on file in the offices of the city.
(Ordinance adopting 2023 Code)