N.Y. Second Class Cities Law § 44

§ 44. Penalties. Any member of the common council who shall knowingly\nor unlawfully disregard any provision of law applicable to the members\nthereof, or who shall vote for any ordinance or measure in violation of\nthe law, or any appropriation unauthorized by law or in excess of the\namount authorized by law, or for any illegal or injurious disposition of\ncorporate property rights or privileges, shall be guilty of a\nmisdemeanor and liable to the punishment and penalty prescribed\ntherefor, and every member voting in favor thereof shall be individually\nliable to refund the amount to the city at the suit of any taxpayer.\n