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Craig — Speeches from four local organizations round out tonight's State of the County event, an "inside look" into Moffat County's future plans.

The Craig Chamber of Commerce began the annual address last year when it invited government officials to speak at its yearly membership meeting. The event allows them to address residents regarding the past year and plans that lay ahead.

The Holiday Inn of Craig will host the event. Cocktails start at 6:30 p.m., with addresses and dinner beginning at 7 p.m.

Representatives from the Moffat County School District, The Memorial Hospital, Colorado Northwestern Community College and Craig Rural Fire Protection District will join those from the city of Craig, Moffat County and the Chamber.

School District Superintendent Pete Bergmann plans to speak on three issues that directly impact the community, he said.

First, an update on capital construction projects financed by a voter-approved bond issue passed in November 2007.

"We need to thank the community for what they've done for the School District," Bergmann said.

He plans to explain what impact the funds will have on district facilities and what timeline there is for the School District to complete improvements.

Bergmann also wants to give an outline of the School District's overall financial state and how that will affect future plans.

Finally, he wants to inform the community about student achievements, he said.

"We've shown a steady growth throughout the years, but we've flattened out this year," Bergmann said. "We've set some goals to try and get back again to the kind of progress we've been making."

George Rohrich, TMH chief executive officer, also plans to address construction projects resulting from publicly funded bonds, said Samantha Johnston, TMH service excellence officer.

After a review of last year's financials and an overview on construction progress, Rohrich will update the crowd on the hospital's application to U.S. Housing and Urban Development for a loan guarantee.

Public bonds only cover about half the cost of the hospital's construction project, Johnston said.

If HUD approves the application, it will secure the second half of the construction project's price tag.

Bill Johnston, Craig Fire/Rescue chief, plans to speak on the Fire District's behalf. Likewise, he expects to inform the community about mill levies recently passed by county voters.

Voters approved a mill for operations and one for capital expenditures, such as equipment and new trucks. The fire chief will explain how the funds have been kept separate and utilized to better serve the public, he said.

He also expects to remind the community that, at some point, the Fire District will have to look at funding full-time staff, he said.

CNCC representatives could not be reached for comment Monday.

Tickets are available through the Chamber, located at 360 E. Victory Way. For more information, call 824-5689.

Collin Smith can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 209, or cesmith@craigdailypress.com