FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- Voters on Tuesday overwhelming passed Fairview Park City Schools' Issue 5.

The 7.5-mill levy, which costs the owner of a home valued at $100,000 $229 annually, was renewed for the third time, with 70 percent of voters casting ballots in favor. Vote totals were 5,436 in favor vs. 2,299 against, according to final, unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

"I was really impressed by the results," Superintendent Bill Wagner said. "I feel that our campaign committee did a tremendous job getting the information out to our community.

"Our community has been amazingly supportive of the schools over the years, and we certainly saw that tonight. We're extremely appreciative for that support," Wagner said.

The levy brings in $2.69 million annually, which represents 17.25 percent of the district's operating budget, and is tied to teacher/staff salaries, benefits, building maintenance, supplies, fuel, utilities and instructional supplies.

"This will really help us continue to stretch our 2006 promise, which was the last time any new operating dollars were approved by the community," Wagner said. "In 2006, a five-year promise guarantee was made to the community and we've made it all the way to 2018.

"Our goal is to stretch it to 2020, and this cements that opportunity. Then we will need to come back to the voters, based off our five-year forecast, to request additional funds," he said.

The superintendent said new money will be needed then because state law flatlines operating levy collections. This is due to House Bill 920, which essentially freezes the income on each passed levy without an inflationary increase.

"The 2016 issue bond issue that was passed at 62 percent, and this election for the renewal of these operating funds, have shown that our community is strongly in support of the schools," Wagner said. "We're so greatly appreciative."

Lorain Road mixed-use zoning

Also passing on Tuesday night was Issue 33, with 82 percent of voters casting ballots in favor of adding mixed-use zoning to Lorain Road. Vote totals were 5,917 in favor vs. 1,241 against, according to final, unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

"We presented to the voters a really good plan for Lorain Road and it gives a wonderful opportunity for future development down the road," Mayor Eileen Ann Patton said. "I think residents understood that and decided to vote for it. So that's a great thing."

The passage of Issue 33, which allows retail and living space on Lorain Road, marks the 16th rezoning issue passed by residents during Patton's 19 years in office.

"We think it out very carefully before we present a zoning issue," Patton said. "That way, once we do present it, it's pretty well designed, and I think the residents know that is our track record.

"We're very careful about our little community to make sure it's zoned properly, and I think over the past they make sure that we've proven that it works. So I'm pleased."