Updated 11 p.m. May 7

With the posting of final unofficial election results, including votes cast during early voting, voters passed Proposition 1 in support of Hutto Fire Rescue, also known as the Williamson County ESD No. 3, with approximately 60 percent of those in favor. The final tally was 143 to 98.

Bill Brown, ESD No. 3 board president, said he believes the board can move forward in a positive direction and work well with both the city of Hutto and the Hutto Economic Development Corporation.

“We’re very happy the voters supported the proposition. We’re very pleased it received what we perceive is a positive result, and we hope it will have the positive impact we suspect it will," Brown said.

All results are unofficial until canvassed.

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Early, unofficial results show voters favor funding for district services upgrades and improvements for Hutto Fire Rescue, also known as Williamson County ESD No. 3.

If passed, the referendum will impose a 2 percent sales tax on items purchased outside the city limits, but within the ESD service area. This is in addition to the existing tax of $0.10 per $100 of assessed property value paid by all residents in ESD No. 3.

Hutto Fire Chief Scott Kerwood previously stated the department has needed another fire station for several years, and the department's main goal is to build a fire station south of the railroad tracks along Hwy. 79, staffed with at least one truck and 12 firefighters to provide for 24/7 coverage.

“We currently have one station to serve 63 square miles in a population of approximately 43,000 people,” Kerwood said in March. “An initial study conducted in 2012 revealed Hutto’s fire service district was in need three additional fire stations, and the city’s population has grown significantly since then.”