Real estate taxes are on the rise in Marion, and the burden will not be shouldered by commercial properties alone.

During a Nov. 30 "Tax Classification Hearing" with the Board of Assessors, the Board of Selectmen voted against splitting the tax rate in 2012, which could have resulted in commercial properties paying a higher tax rate than residential properties.

The tax rate for both residential and commercial properties is expected to rise from $9.40 to $9.62 per thousand-dollar value of the property, according to Patricia DeCosta, associate assessor on the board.

“The rate has steadily been going up since 2007,” DeCosta said.

With the median house value in Marion being about $450,000, DeCosta said, homeowners and business owners can expect to pay an additional $100 for a home in this price range.

The increase in real estate taxes is due to a decrease in property value since 2007, DeCosta said. This is with the exception of waterfront property, which she added, has continued to see a rise in value.

“On average the whole town is down about one percent,” she said.

The Board said the equal rate was a way to remain fair to all property owners in the community.

"A single family home can be just as draining as a business, if not more so, on the municipal budget," said Selectmen Chair John Henry. "Single-family homes use town resources, such as water and sewers just as much as businesses, if not more."

With the single real estate tax rate approved by the Selectmen, the Board of Assessors will finalize a set tax rate to present to the Department of Revenue for review.

To date, Marion has never adopted a split tax rate on real estate.