Saratoga Springs Discussing Processes and Procedures for ObtainingOutside Legal Counsel 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – City officers and employees are entitled to legal defense related to claims  made against them and alleged to have occurred while they were on official business. 

An Article in City Code enacted by the City Council in 1987 provides for the legal defense of city officers and employees should state or federal legal action arise related to an alleged act or omission that took place in the scope of official duty or public employment. 

This week the City Council began discussions aimed at potentially attempting to establish detailed policies for the documentation and processing of future requests made by city officers and employees. 

“We have been challenged to come up, as soon as possible, with a resolution to clarify our policy with regard to these issues” Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford said this week. “We are working to come up with a resolution that will be acceptable to everyone and give us some guidance as we move into the future.” 

Some of the suggested policies were posted in advance of the July 16 City Council meeting, although it was unclear how many of the council members were involved in crafting the policies suggested.  

The suggested polices would include submitting in writing to the city attorney a statement containing hourly rates proposed by the employee’s legal defense team as well as an estimate of total fees, charges and other expenses. The proposal would then be considered at a public meeting with the council charged with authorizing payment for the services to begin. A Special Public Meeting may be called if a situation requires urgency to address the matter.  Should the amount exceed the estimate as the work progresses, a separate review and approval need to take place prior to those services taking place. 

It is anticipated the council will return to discussion regarding the matter in future meetings.