Madison County voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to continue six existing property taxes for its three public school systems. The votes provided critical support to operating budgets, and they ensured the continuation of special programs like robotics, biotechnology and career academies.

The results weren't close with at least 70 percent "yes" votes for each tax. That percentage was critical to continuing a 1.5 mill countywide tax that funds all the three systems - Huntsville, Madison and Madison County. That tax needed the support of at least 60 percent of voters to continue. Some of the taxes faced votes only in the individual districts, and some were countywide. (See the full returns here)

"We're really excited," Huntsville School Superintendent Matt Akin said Tuesday night. "It really shows that the Huntsville community is committed to our schools."

At stake for the three public school systems schools was $58.5 million a year. Huntsville gained $37.6 million of that in the most recent tax year, Madison got $6.5 million and Madison County got $14.3 million.

Akin noted that the funds are "critical to our daily operating expenses." The city system faced cuts of up to 15 percent in its budget if the tax renewals failed.

Madison city Superintendent Robby Parker thanked the voters for their support and said the taxes "give us a great foundation."

"The citizens of Madison have always supported us," Parker said, "and we had no doubt they would support us this time. We are excited about the present and the future."

The taxes won't face another renewal vote for 30 years.