FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- Finances played a key role at the beginning of the third annual joint State of the Community address, held March 14 at the Gemini Center, with Fairview Park City Schools Superintendent Bill Wagner and Mayor Eileen Ann Patton.

"This evening, we're here to celebrate our year-long series on goal-setting for a better tomorrow," said Patton, who talked about the city's finances. "Our estimated 2018 revenues and our expenses are about $10 million in and $10 million out. We face yearly the balancing of gradual revenue growth against increasing operating costs, aging infrastructure, retirement costs and healthcare changes. Our carry-over balance is important and carefully monitored.

"Expenses are discussed thoroughly within the departments. This month, we have been in work sessions with City Council to present a balanced budget by March 31, as required by law. With this continued fiscal oversight, we anticipate a carry-over of $1.5 million for next year."

Other topics of conversation included the city's ongoing sewer construction projects, which included $1.7 million in grants from Ohio Public Works, as well as economic development plans and new business tenants.

As far as the schools, Wagner said the district has demonstrated exceptional fiscal responsibility and continued to receive awards for outstanding fiscal management at the state and national levels.

He applauded the efforts of the treasurer's office staff before mentioning future levies residents can expect to see at the polls.

"Over the years, we've worked hard to earn your trust and be good stewards of your financial support," Wagner said.

"The passage of this November's renewal levy will be critical to helping us extend the current operating budget to the year 2020, effectively stretching the five-year community promise from the levy campaign back in 2006 for over 14 years.

"However, as I've been mentioning for the past few years, because the district will have functioned on this fixed income, we anticipate having to ask residents to consider a moderate increase in November of 2020," he said.

Regarding the upcoming $35 million master facilities project renovation of Fairview High School, Mayer Middle School, Parkview Early Education Center and Gilles-Sweet Elementary School, Wagner used the State of the Community to make an announcement regarding groundbreaking.

A special ceremony for the middle school and high school phase is scheduled for May 23 in front of the former school on Campus Drive.

"Our tentative timeline looks something like this: Construction is scheduled to start at the middle school and high school this coming June," Wagner said. "Work should begin next summer in 2019 at the Early Education Center and Gilles-Sweet, and should be completed sometime around November of 2019.

"The high school and middle school project should be completed in the spring of 2020. It will be a very interesting and challenging two years, but I guarantee it will all be worth it in the end," Wagner said.

The State of the Community ended with Patton talking about various groups and organizations in Fairview Park.

"We are a caring community; we depend on each other and we need each other to succeed," Patton said.

"To all the volunteer residents, from the school organizations to the city organizations, thank you for the important roles you play in keeping Fairview Park a great place to grow."