Budget And Indemnification Law Approved
by Doug La Rocque
The Brunswick Town Board meeting on Thursday evening, November 12 opened with a public hearing on a proposed local law that would provide for the defense and indemnification of officers and employees of the Town. The law met with opposition from five people who questioned the necessity and intent of the law and whether the law looks back in time to any previous incidents.
One speaker asked if the provisions of law are not already covered by the Town’s general liability insurance. The answer from town counsel was some may be, but others are not.
As far as the purpose of the law, as stated in the public hearing notice, it is to confer the defense and indemnification benefits as well as certain supplemental benefits upon the officers and employees of the Town of Brunswick in connection with civil and criminal actions and proceedings, state and federal, commenced against them in their individual capacities, arising out of acts or omissions which occur while the officer or employee is acting within the scope of his or her public employment or duties.
One speaker said she understood how this could be a need in large cities in order to help attract qualified candidates for office, but did not think it necessary for a town the size of Brunswick. Yet another speaker wondered if the new law would cover any previous instances. Again town counsel replied no, only as of the date of the law’s adoption forward.
Town Supervisor Phil Herrington recused himself from any discussion or vote on the law, stating it was in many ways similar to a law proposed but never acted on in 2017, that he also recused himself from at that time. He told those gathered, he felt there was no conflict of interest, but in order to avoid any hint of impropriety he was once again not going to take part in the proceedings and left the meeting room. During the Board’s regular meeting, the law was adopted by a 4-0 vote and without the Supervisor’s participation.
Slight Tax Hike
The Board also approved the 2021 Town Budget, which calls for a 1.9% tax hike, under the state’s tax cap. Supervisor Herrington said this was only the sixth tax increase in his 27 years in office, and explained he felt it was needed as a small cushion against the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the Town, not only now but in the foreseeable future. The Supervisor added he did not want to have to cut services or lay off any town employees. The remainder of the Board was in agreement, as the budget resolution passed unanimously
Other Business
The Board further approved a number of other resolutions, dealing with the purchase of natural gas and electricity, the demolition of a structure on adjoining town owned property at 296 Town Office Road, agreed to the purchase of a new heavy duty truck with plow and sander and appointed Adrien J. Moran, Sr. to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Former Town Highway Superintendent Brandon Hill also asked about a termination letter he claims he was promised on October 8, the date of that termination. He was informed the matter is in the hands of the Town’s attorney. Mr. Hill was dismissed because of an injury the Town felt left him unable to perform the duties of his position.