In an effort to remain fair to all property owners in Marion, officials have decided against adopting a split tax rate.

On Tuesday, the Selectmen unanimously approved a recommendation by the Board of Assessors to retain a single tax rate.

If the tax rate was split, commercial property owners in town would be required to pay a higher tax rate than residential property owners.

To date, Marion has never adopted the split rate.

Due to the bad state of the economy, Assessor Ray Pickles said now is not the time to make any changes in regards to the tax rate for property owners.

Selectmen Chair Stephen Cushing agreed.

“I think now is not a good time to change it,” Cushing said.