Peotone’s ‘Crashing’ Finance System Prompts Search for Replacement

Article Summary:

The Peotone Village Board is beginning the process of replacing its municipal finance software, which officials described as unstable and “ready to crash completely.” The current system has caused significant operational challenges, including the temporary loss of payroll data, prompting a search for a modern, more reliable enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Village Finance System Key Points:

• Village officials report the current finance software, described as “very cheap,” is prone to crashing and has caused major issues, including a past incident where payroll data was temporarily lost.

• Mayor Chris Vieaux stated the system is “ready to crash completely,” risking the loss of all financial data.

• Staff are researching a new, more comprehensive ERP system to improve efficiency, streamline manual processes, and provide a better interface for residents and businesses.

• The village’s Administrative Oversight Committee (AOC) will meet on August 18 to begin formally discussing options and costs for a new system.

PEOTONE, IL — Peotone officials are taking the first steps toward a complete overhaul of the village’s finance and operations software after multiple system failures, including one that temporarily wiped out payroll data, have created significant risks for the municipality.

During the August 11 Village Board meeting, administrators described the current system as a “very cheap” program that is ill-suited for municipal governance and “ready to crash completely.”

“We lost payroll at one time. Everything had to be reinstalled,” said Mayor Chris Vieaux, relaying concerns from finance staff. “The system is, as our treasurer Annmarie puts it, ready to crash completely and then we lose everything. So the change needs to be made.”

Village Administrator Nick Palmer explained that the software’s instability has created ongoing challenges. Besides payroll problems, the system requires numerous manual processes for building department functions and creates “inefficiencies in the system.”

“It’s more than just a finance system. This is kind of like an ERP, employee resource planning… I think is what it stands for,” Palmer said. He noted that the current platform is not robust enough for the village’s needs. “Our system is very cheap, but it has challenges to it.”

The board discussed the issue as a preliminary step before a more detailed review by the village’s Administrative Oversight Committee (AOC), scheduled for August 18. At that meeting, officials will review options for a new, modern ERP system, which would integrate various municipal functions beyond just finance.

“We have looked at several systems and so we’re going to start that conversation at the AOC meeting and answer questions,” Palmer said. “We want to make the case why this will help across the board.”

Vieaux added that the current system is “basically designed for a small business, not to run a municipality.”

The new system is expected to create a more seamless flow of information, improve operational efficiencies for staff, and provide a better interface for residents and the business community. While a full fiscal impact has not been determined, Palmer noted that the costs would likely be budgeted for fiscal year 2027. The current system is not on a long-term contract but is paid for with an annual fee.