N.Y. Second Class Cities Law § 44: Penalties

§ 44. Penalties. Any member of the common council who shall knowingly

or unlawfully disregard any provision of law applicable to the members

thereof, or who shall vote for any ordinance or measure in violation of

the law, or any appropriation unauthorized by law or in excess of the

amount authorized by law, or for any illegal or injurious disposition of

corporate property rights or privileges, shall be guilty of a

misdemeanor and liable to the punishment and penalty prescribed

therefor, and every member voting in favor thereof shall be individually

liable to refund the amount to the city at the suit of any taxpayer.