Chambers County approves $36,005.85 in ARPA funds for Mont Belvieu library adult‑education computers

Patty Long, coordinator of the English as a Second Language program at the Mont Belvieu Library, urged the court to provide equipment and curriculum to reduce reliance on inconsistent volunteers and expand classes for adults who need to communicate with schools, find work and integrate into the community. "We began the program three years ago," Long said, and reported about 70 adults have taken part; a new class the day before her remarks drew 12 attendees.

Following Long’s comments, commissioners considered agenda item 5.2, a request to allocate $36,005.85 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Chambers County Library System to support adult‑education programming. The funding is intended to purchase 20 computers, charging cabinets and subscriptions for a structured ESL curriculum that staff said would enable individualized digital instruction and reduce dependence on volunteer availability.

Commissioner Gore moved to approve the allocation; Commissioner Tice seconded. The court voted in favor and the motion carried. Staff said the library will deploy computers across Mont Belvieu, Anahuac and East Chambers as classes expand.

The approved funds cover hardware and licenses only; program operations and instructor support remain the responsibility of the library and partner organizations. Long said the library and Barbers Hill school system have discussed further collaboration to broaden class offerings and help parents communicate with teachers.

The court did not set a specific implementation timeline beyond standard procurement and issuance of checks; county staff indicated IT and library teams had already vetted device and software needs and would coordinate purchasing.