Updated 10 p.m. 

Montgomery-area voters have shown support for a ballot measure May 7 that will create a local sales and use tax in Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 2, according to unofficial voting results.

With all precincts reporting, 1,076 people, or 59.6 percent, were in favor of Proposition 1, which would create a 2 percent sales and use tax in ESD No. 2, while 728 voters, or 40.3 percent, were against the proposition.

The additional revenue will allow ESD No. 2 to provide its firefighters with a salary increase and build a new station south of Montgomery, Fire Chief Brian Edwards said. Reducing turnover and building a new station will help the ESD improve public safety, Edwards said.

"Increasing stations and [improving] staffing is looking at big picture with all of the growth going on in the area," Edwards said. "It should reduce response times and insurance rates for the entire district."

ESD No. 2 covers about 233 miles in the northwest corner of Montgomery County. The district contracts with the Montgomery Fire Department to provide fire services to portions of Montgomery County that include the cities of Montgomery and Dobbin as well as other subdivisions, such as Walden and Bentwater.