Posted 8:27 p.m.

Residents in Friendswood have voted to approve two measures to increase sales taxes in the community, based on unofficial early voting and election day totals. The two measures would increase the sales tax by three-eighths of a percent for street repair and maintenance and by an additional one-eighth of a percent for economic development in the downtown district. The totals show residents have approved the street maintenance tax with 61 percent, or 1,485 votes, showing support for it, while voters supported the economic development tax with 52 percent, or 1,274 votes, approving the tax increase. Brett Banfield, president of Friends of Downtown Friendswood, said the organization was pleased to see that both measures received support from voters. "We're very excited with the results, and now it's time to get to work," Banfield said. "The majority of voters have spoken, and they want to see improvements in the roads and in the downtown area." The measures will increase the sales tax rate from 7.75 percent to the state maximum of 8.25 percent. The proposed sales tax increases were pushed forward by City Council on Feb. 1 after more than a year of discussions. The city has already identified almost $6 million in unfunded street improvement projects throughout the city, including Brown, Crofter Glen and Earlham drives. Based on the projected sales tax revenue for 2016, the city could receive an additional $1.4 million from the three-eighths of a percent increase. The one-eighth of a percent for economic development in downtown is expected to be used for beautification, infrastructure and road projects. The City Council is expected to appoint a seven-member committee to oversee funding and allocation if the measure is approved. All results are unofficial until canvassed.