ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – The Tompkins County Correction Officers’ Association (TCCOA) has a new contract.

The 4-year agreement was approved earlier this month by the Tompkins County Legislature.

“Corrections officers perform one of the toughest jobs in public service,” said Legislator Rich John. “With this contract, the legislature is sending a clear message: we respect their work, and we are prepared to invest in keeping Tompkins County a safe place for all.

Under the new pact, new officers will have a larger starting salary with scheduled increases. Long-serving members will see “substantial increases” over the life of the agreement, beginning in 2026. Next year, an officer with 15-20 years on the job will earn just over $74,400, which will increase to more than $84,400 by 2029.

“Our corrections division makes up the largest staffing group within our office,” said Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne. “Their work is often challenging, demanding, and underrecognized. This contract reflects our appreciation for their service and ensures that their dedication to our community is properly valued.”

Osborne adds the agreement will help with long-term staff retention and ensure the county remains a competitive employer.

The new contract takes effect January 1, 2026, and runs through 2029.