The Government Summit group of leaders looking for ways to combine services and save costs will meet Wednesday night to hear progress reports and set new goals.

The summit was called by Cowlitz County commissioners and involves representatives from each of the county’s five incorporated cities. The goal is to find ways to collaborate that reduce costs or improve service. Examples include consolidating purchasing between all cities and the county or forming a regional library system.

Wednesday’s meeting will allow the several subgroups to report back on their progress. Some have formal recommendations ready, while others are still working, Commissioner George Raiter said. Other groups may also decide to take on new subjects, Raiter said.

The summit group is in addition to talks to merge the cities of Kelso and Longview, though some of the goals and ideas overlap. With both cities agreeing to put advisory merger votes on the November ballot, though, it’s unlikely the summit group will discuss a city merger on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s meeting is 6 p.m. in the Cowlitz County Expo and Event Center, 1900 Seventh Ave., Longview.