Welcome to the Dallas Area Municipal Authority (DAMA)
Dallas Area Municipal Authority – News Release – December 22, 2025
DAMA Adopts 2026 Rate Schedule Reflecting WVSA Wastewater Processing Increases
The Dallas Area Municipal Authority (DAMA) adopted its 2026 rate schedule at its December 2025 monthly Board meeting.
DAMA Board Chairman Brent Snowdon stated that “developing the 2026 budget, has been the most challenging budget process the Authority has faced in the past 15 years”.
The primary responsible factor driving the increased costs is an 18.2 percent, one year increase in wastewater processing charges from the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA). While the increase is understandable given WVSA’s aging infrastructure and rising operating costs, it was significantly higher than anticipated. This increase will be passed directly to DAMA ratepayers and is unavoidable. WVSA has also announced projected annual increases of nine percent for the years 2027 through 2030. Although these increases of nine percent annually are substantial, they represent a more stable outlook than the sharp increase being experienced in 2026.
Another major, uncontrollable cost pressure being experienced by all entities, is the escalation of employee healthcare premiums. DAMA has implemented new employee deductibles and co-payments to mitigate these increases, with the potential option to withdraw from the Authority’s healthcare consortium in 2027, an option that was not financially viable for 2026. Rising healthcare and utility costs, necessary repairs to existing equipment, debt service obligations, and DAMA’s own aging sewer infrastructure, all contribute to place upward pressure on rates.
Decisions on rate increases are not taken lightly. The DAMA Board of Directors and the Executive Director all reside within the communities served by the Authority. The Board approved the 2026 rate schedule with a unanimous vote, with one abstention due to a new Board member appointment in December. DAMA rates remain competitive when compared with similar municipal authorities across the Commonwealth.
DAMA ratepayers will see the following quarterly rates for 2026:
• Wastewater (Sewer): $162.50.
• Solid Waste (Trash/Recycling/Yard Compost): $103.00.
• Stormwater (Mandated MS4 program): $20.00.
For Customers receiving service from all three divisions, these represent an approximately $17 per month increase. First-quarter 2026 billings will be processed and distributed in late December 2025 or early January 2026. As in prior years, customers can choose to make a one-year, upfront payment, and will receive a 2% discount.
Executive Director- James Reino and DAMA Board of Directors
Dallas Area Municipal Authority – News Release – December 22, 2025
DAMA Adopts 2026 Rate Schedule Reflecting WVSA Wastewater Processing Increases
The Dallas Area Municipal Authority (DAMA) adopted its 2026 rate schedule at its December 2025 monthly Board meeting.
DAMA Board Chairman Brent Snowdon stated that “developing the 2026 budget, has been the most challenging budget process the Authority has faced in the past 15 years”.
The primary responsible factor driving the increased costs is an 18.2 percent, one year increase in wastewater processing charges from the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA). While the increase is understandable given WVSA’s aging infrastructure and rising operating costs, it was significantly higher than anticipated. This increase will be passed directly to DAMA ratepayers and is unavoidable. WVSA has also announced projected annual increases of nine percent for the years 2027 through 2030. Although these increases of nine percent annually are substantial, they represent a more stable outlook than the sharp increase being experienced in 2026.
Another major, uncontrollable cost pressure being experienced by all entities, is the escalation of employee healthcare premiums. DAMA has implemented new employee deductibles and co-payments to mitigate these increases, with the potential option to withdraw from the Authority’s healthcare consortium in 2027, an option that was not financially viable for 2026. Rising healthcare and utility costs, necessary repairs to existing equipment, debt service obligations, and DAMA’s own aging sewer infrastructure, all contribute to place upward pressure on rates.
Decisions on rate increases are not taken lightly. The DAMA Board of Directors and the Executive Director all reside within the communities served by the Authority. The Board approved the 2026 rate schedule with a unanimous vote, with one abstention due to a new Board member appointment in December. DAMA rates remain competitive when compared with similar municipal authorities across the Commonwealth.
DAMA ratepayers will see the following quarterly rates for 2026:
• Wastewater (Sewer): $162.50.
• Solid Waste (Trash/Recycling/Yard Compost): $103.00.
• Stormwater (Mandated MS4 program): $20.00.
For Customers receiving service from all three divisions, these represent an approximately $17 per month increase. First-quarter 2026 billings will be processed and distributed in late December 2025 or early January 2026. As in prior years, customers can choose to make a one-year, upfront payment, and will receive a 2% discount.
Executive Director- James Reino and DAMA Board of Directors
DAMA Adopts 2026 Rate Schedule Reflecting WVSA Wastewater Processing Increases
The Dallas Area Municipal Authority (DAMA) adopted its 2026 rate schedule at its December 2025 monthly Board meeting.
DAMA Board Chairman Brent Snowdon stated that “developing the 2026 budget, has been the most challenging budget process the Authority has faced in the past 15 years”.
The primary responsible factor driving the increased costs is an 18.2 percent, one year increase in wastewater processing charges from the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA). While the increase is understandable given WVSA’s aging infrastructure and rising operating costs, it was significantly higher than anticipated. This increase will be passed directly to DAMA ratepayers and is unavoidable. WVSA has also announced projected annual increases of nine percent for the years 2027 through 2030. Although these increases of nine percent annually are substantial, they represent a more stable outlook than the sharp increase being experienced in 2026.
Another major, uncontrollable cost pressure being experienced by all entities, is the escalation of employee healthcare premiums. DAMA has implemented new employee deductibles and co-payments to mitigate these increases, with the potential option to withdraw from the Authority’s healthcare consortium in 2027, an option that was not financially viable for 2026. Rising healthcare and utility costs, necessary repairs to existing equipment, debt service obligations, and DAMA’s own aging sewer infrastructure, all contribute to place upward pressure on rates.
Decisions on rate increases are not taken lightly. The DAMA Board of Directors and the Executive Director all reside within the communities served by the Authority. The Board approved the 2026 rate schedule with a unanimous vote, with one abstention due to a new Board member appointment in December. DAMA rates remain competitive when compared with similar municipal authorities across the Commonwealth.
DAMA ratepayers will see the following quarterly rates for 2026:
• Wastewater (Sewer): $162.50.
• Solid Waste (Trash/Recycling/Yard Compost): $103.00.
• Stormwater (Mandated MS4 program): $20.00.
For Customers receiving service from all three divisions, these represent an approximately $17 per month increase. First-quarter 2026 billings will be processed and distributed in late December 2025 or early January 2026. As in prior years, customers can choose to make a one-year, upfront payment, and will receive a 2% discount.
Executive Director- James Reino and DAMA Board of Directors
Serving You.
Since 1967 Dallas Area Municipal Authority has been a natural resource for those who live and work in Dallas, Shavertown, Trucksville, and adjoining areas of our community. We provide vital services to residents and businesses, including on-lot and public septic, solid waste and recycling, as well as yard waste and composting.
Today, we serve more customers than ever before as the “Back Mountain” has grown in population – and we have kept pace with our customers’ needs through enhanced services, state-of-the-art processes, and the highest level of customer service.
Public Sewer System
The Dallas Area Municipal Authority (DAMA) constructed, operates, and maintains the collection, conveyance, equalization and primary pumping station facilities that serve the “charter member” municipalities of Dallas Borough, Dallas Township, and Kingston Township.
Solid Waste Division
Since the inception of DAMA’s Solid waste and recycling program, As a community we have been able to divert almost fifty percent (50%) from the landfill and send it to Northeast Recycling Solutions to be recycled. Thank you for your support and keep up the great work.
Recycling
Dallas Area Municipal Authority collects residents Recycling for Dallas Borough, Dallas Township, and Kingston Township. Dallas Area Municipal Authority also works together with Luzerne County and PADEP to continue growth and education for the Back Mountain.
