More than 60 percent of voters gave the green light May 5 to a sales tax increase that could help a Dripping Springs-area emergency service district (ESD) keep pace with growth.

Of the 3,220 ballots cast, 1,987 voted in favor of raising ESD No. 1’s sales tax by .5 percent, with 1,233 voting against. Results remain unofficial until canvassed.

Proposal 1, brought forward by ESD 1, will put into action a .5 percent increase on each purchase made within district boundaries. The proposal will hel...