It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Legislature that any such governing bodies shall have the power and authority to determine in their sole discretion the class or classes of officers or employees who are to be insured under any such policy or policies, the amount, nature, and kind of insurance upon each such officer and employee and class thereof and whether the premium therefor shall be paid in whole or in part by such governing bodies and, if in part, the amount thereof that will be so paid.