19257_Authority_June_2026

48 The Authority │ June PMAA Introduces New Partnership Program Providing Health Insurance and Retirement Benefit Options I n today’s competitive labor market, municipal authorities face increasing pressure to attract and retain a skilled and reliable workforce. Whether you operate a water, sewer, transit, stormwater, or multi-service authority, your ability to recruit committed employees directly affects the quality, safety, and continuity of public services. That is why offering high-quality health insurance and retirement benefits is no longer optional; it is essential. Good benefits matter more than ever Strong employee benefits are more important than ever these days. Low unemployment, changing worker expectations, and other factors mean employers must step up their game to attract and retain good workers. A competitive labor environment — Local governments and authorities in Pennsylvania are competing not only with one another but also with private-sector employers, which can often offer higher wages. Strong benefit packages, including health insurance, vision, dental, and retirement, help level the playing field. Employees are increasingly prioritizing stability, predictability, and long-term security, making comprehensive benefits a key part of any hiring strategy. m emBer B enefit P rogram Retention through stability — Replacing employees is costly. Recruiting, onboarding, and training new staff drains time and resources. By offering dependable health coverage and meaningful retirement options, authorities send a simple but powerful message: We invest in our people for the long term. This sense of stability improves morale and reduces turnover. Meeting the needs of a diverse workforce — Municipal authorities employ a wide range of professionals, office personnel, operators, maintenance crews, engineers, CDL drivers, and seasonal or part-time staff. Their needs differ, and offering flexible, affordable benefit options helps authorities support employees at every stage of their careers. Better benefits lead to better service — When employees feel secure in their health care coverage and confident about their financial future, they are more focused, productive, and engaged. Strong benefits are not only good for employees, but they also support safer operations, better decision-making, and improved service delivery for the communities you serve. A new partnership puts PMAA members first The Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA) recently announced a new partnership aimed at expanding benefit options for municipal authorities across the Commonwealth. Following an extensive review process, the PMAA Board of Directors and its Program Advisory Committee formally endorsed a partner referral program with the PSATS Trustees Insurance and Retirement Services . Through this collaboration, PMAA members will gain access to health insurance and retirement plan options tailored specifically to the needs of public- sector employers. For more than 65 years, the PSATS Trusts have served thousands of municipal officials, employees, and families with high-quality benefit programs tailored to local government needs. These include: Comprehensive health insurance options: Underwritten by Aetna , with vision and hearing options through NVA, PMAA members now have access to: ¾ Medical plans; ¾ Medicare-integrated options; ¾ Dental coverage; ¾ Prescription programs; and ¾ Vision and hearing benefits. Even small authorities, including those with only one full-time employee, can secure dependable, affordable coverage. Retirement plans built for municipal employers: Through HUB International and Nationwide Financial Services , PMAA members can access: ¾ Defined contribution (401-a) plans; ¾ Defined benefit plans; and ¾ Deferred compensation (457-b) plans.