Kenneth C. Crowe II is reporting for the Times Union Rensselaer County has reached a tentative agreement with Council 82, the union representing corrections officers working at the Rensselaer County Jail in South Troy. The pact guarantees raises for employees annually for five years — 1.5 percent in 2019, 2020 and 2021; and a 1.75 percent hike in 2022 and 2023. The 2019 pay increase is not retroactive; it will take effect when the union ratifies the contract. “We are happy that we could come to terms with our valued corrections officers. These people do the hard work of protecting our citizens and this agreement is well deserved for their hard work and dedication,” Sheriff Patrick Russo said in a statement. County Executive Steve McLaughlin said it was gratifying that an agreement could be reached in "...a matter of only a few weeks.” The union could vote on the contract as early as April 5, and then send it on to the county Legislature for a vote next week. Read the full story in the Times Union.