Section 1B. A district may sue and be sued by its name to the same extent and upon the same conditions as a city or town.
Districts shall have the power and authority to assess member cities and towns for the purpose of paying a proper charge to effect insurance for payment of damages or for the purpose of paying a proper charge for payment of damages incurred pursuant to chapter two hundred and fifty-eight, and shall have the power and authority to defend civil actions brought against them pursuant to said chapter.