The Troy Record reports that Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin is crowing about saving nearly $1 million in personnel costs so far in 2018. In a press release, McLaughlin’s office says the savings came from extending vacancies, leaving open positions unfilled, and reducing jobs. “The savings shows a commitment to fiscally responsible policies while ensuring services are maintained at a level needed by residents,” McLaughlin said in a news release, which did not mention if any services have been cut because of the fewer workers. According to McLaughlin about $1 million in savings went toward paving projects and new equipment for the County Highway Department, and another $600,000 is going toward county reserves. The next Rensselaer County budget will be released at noon Oct. 19 at a press conference in the legislative chambers. Read the full story in the Troy Record.