The purpose of this chapter is to provide legal and financial protection
for those individuals serving the Village of East Aurora as to claims which
may be brought against them in this individual capacities for actions taken
while in the performance of their official duties and responsibilities. The
State of New York has enacted similar provisions for the legal and financial
security of its officers and employees. Such security is also required for
local personnel. By enactment of this chapter, the Village Board does not
intend to limit or otherwise abrogate any existing right or responsibility
of the Village, its officers and employees with regard to indemnification
or legal defense. It is solely the intent of this chapter to provide coverage
for local officers and employees pursuant to Public Officers Law § 18
in order to continue to attract qualified individuals to local government
service.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the
term "employee" shall mean any person holding a position by election, appointment
or employment in the service of the Village of East Aurora, whether or not
compensated, or a volunteer expressly authorized to participate in a municipally
sponsored volunteer program, but shall not include an independent contractor.
The term "employee" shall include a former employee, his estate or judicially
appointed personal representative.