Hazleton picks OpenGov to replace legacy finance system

The City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania has selected OpenGov ERP to modernize financial management, budgeting, payroll and HRIS across a single cloud platform. The move is meant to eliminate legacy-system bottlenecks and give the city faster reporting, easier onboarding and more data-driven operations after exiting state financial recovery status in 2023.

Why it matters: - Hazleton is replacing a server-based system that slowed reporting, required coding for routine budget work and limited operational efficiency. - The upgrade is meant to help city staff move faster, reduce dependence on vendor support and preserve institutional knowledge inside the system. - The change comes after Hazleton exited Act 47 financial recovery status in 2023, signaling a shift from fiscal stabilization to modernization.

What happened: - The City of Hazleton selected OpenGov ERP for Financial Management, Budgeting & Performance, Payroll and Human Resources Information System functions. - The city is moving to a single, cloud-based platform with a modern interface. - Hazleton has about 33,000 residents in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The details: - OpenGov will consolidate financial management, budgeting, payroll and HRIS into one integrated system. - Reporting is expected to become self-service, on-demand and faster. - OpenGov's dedicated team will handle support instead of a third party. - The new system is designed to be easier for new employees to learn and use quickly. - Hazleton's old system required coding knowledge to load an annual budget. - The prior platform also required constant vendor support for basic reporting and had a cumbersome interface.

Between the lines: - Hazleton's move suggests the city wants technology that matches its current fiscal position, not just one that keeps core functions running. - The purchase also reflects a broader push by Pennsylvania municipalities to replace legacy systems with cloud-based ERP tools. - Hazleton joins other OpenGov users in the state, including the City of Altoona, Capitol Region Water, the City of Easton and Swatara Township Sewer Authority.

What's next: - Hazleton will implement OpenGov across finance, budgeting, payroll and HR operations. - City staff should see the biggest changes in reporting speed, workflow simplicity and day-to-day usability as the transition is completed.