County Executive Adam Bello and Sheriff Todd Baxter announce approval of new three year collective bargaining agreement with the Deputy Sheriff Association in Monroe County

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County has taken a significant step to strengthen its public safety workforce, as County Executive Adam Bello and Sheriff Todd Baxter formally announced a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Deputy Sheriff Association. The pact, approved months ahead of schedule, secures pay raises for hundreds of jail deputies and underscores the county’s effort to support the employees who serve on the frontlines of its corrections system.

The agreement, which covers 465 members of the Deputy Sheriff Association, was finalized and ratified by both union members and the Monroe County Legislature. Deputies included in the contract serve in sworn titles of Deputy Sheriff Jailor, Deputy Sheriff Jailor Corporal, and Deputy Sheriff Sergeant. Their daily work inside the Monroe County Jail is often unseen by the wider community, yet they remain a vital part of the county’s broader law enforcement and safety network.

For Bello, the early approval of the contract was both practical and symbolic. Rather than waiting for the existing contract to expire, his administration worked closely with Sheriff Baxter and union leadership to put the deal in place three months in advance. That decision prevented any risk of deputies being left without a contract and sent a clear signal about the county’s respect for the difficult work of jail staff.

“Monroe County Deputy Sheriffs play a critical, and often unseen, role in keeping our community safe. It was essential that we secure a fair contract for the brave men and women serving in our jails—one that recognizes their dedication and provides well-earned raises they deserve before the previous agreement expired,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “I want to thank Sheriff Baxter for his outstanding partnership and the DSA for its tireless advocacy on behalf of its members.”

Read also: Federal worksite enforcement operation in Cayuga County results in five criminal arrests and 52 individuals detained pending immigration proceedings

The tone of cooperation and mutual recognition ran throughout the announcement. Sheriff Baxter praised not only the deputies who work long hours inside the jail but also the teamwork that made the contract possible. He noted the speed with which labor agreements have been resolved under his tenure, pointing to a strong track record of collaboration between county leaders and the unions that represent deputies.

“Eight contracts in less than eight years, that is a remarkable record. I am proud of how, together, we have cared for and continue to support these brave public servants,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “This agreement reinforces our commitment to jail deputies and their families, who answer the call around the clock. I am grateful to Undersheriff Korey Brown and Superintendent Maurice Leone for their leadership, to the Deputy Sheriff’s Association for their collaboration, to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Human Resource Director Andrea Guzzetta Zury for their steadfast support, and to the Monroe County Legislature for approving this important pact.”

The Legislature itself gave the deal overwhelming approval, with a 25–2 vote at its September meeting. The contract was not only endorsed by elected officials but also welcomed by the members of the Deputy Sheriff Association.

DSA President James LoBrutto emphasized the value of having a new agreement in place before the old one expired, calling it a strong reflection of the county’s recognition of the risks deputies face daily.

“I want to thank Sheriff Todd Baxter and County Executive Adam Bello for their continued commitment to the men and women of the DSA,” said DSA President James LoBrutto. “I am pleased to have a successor contract in place for our members prior to the expiration of our current contract. The Sheriff and County Executive continue to demonstrate their support for the work that DSA does and the daily risks our deputies take to keep our community safe. I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship for years to come.”

Read also: Supervisor Leenhouts invites the community to September 17 ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new Philbrick Park footbridge along Irondequoit Creek

For Bello, this marks the second time his administration has successfully negotiated a contract with the Deputy Sheriff Association. For Baxter, it reaffirms his leadership approach of prioritizing both public safety and the well-being of the employees under his command. And for the deputies themselves, it means security—financially and professionally—as they continue their often-unseen but critical role in the county’s justice system.

By securing this contract early, Monroe County has not only avoided the uncertainty of drawn-out negotiations but also reinforced its commitment to the deputies who protect the community from inside the jail walls. The pact stands as another example of the county’s ongoing effort to balance fiscal responsibility with fair treatment of its workforce, ensuring that those who serve the public are recognized and supported.