Maximus paused briefly: "My idea is... all families that have Reserve Tribe mbers work their fields for them should pay an additional tax of twenty to forty percent to the tribe. The tribe will then transfer ten or twenty percent of this tax to the Reserve Tribe mbers as their compensation. However, the current Reserve Tribe mbers don’t have their own houses or apprentices to store grain, so we can settle it with them altogether when they beco Official Tribe mbers.
This way, when they live independently, the tribe won’t need to provide additional assistance. It also ensures fairness for other families who don’t have Reserve Tribe mbers helping with farming, so they won’t cause trouble for the tribe."
"But leader, we think it’s a bit unfair to pay two to three tis more tax than others—" Pigeris boldly objected.
"Everyone, don’t be anxious. Let finish." Maximus waved his arm and seriously continued: "The Iron Workshop, Furniture Workshop, Pottery Workshop... all belong to the tribe, not private individuals. Therefore, these craftsn work for the tribe, just like the officials in the tribe. We shouldn’t let them work for nothing. I believe the tribe should pay these craftsn salaries.
Officials receive different salaries based on the rank of their positions, and craftsn receive different salaries based on the quantity and quality of what they produce. This way, although everyone has to pay considerable land taxes, they earn compensation by working for the tribe, and these salaries are tax-free. What do you think?"
There was a commotion in the hall.
It was understandable for craftsn to receive salaries for their work, but the idea that officials could also get paid for working for the tribe was unheard of among the tribes and City States in the Western diterranean. As far as Quintus, Capito, and Volenus knew, Ro’s Elders and civil affairs officers not only wouldn’t earn salaries, but sotis spent their own money to please citizens, such as hosting large banquets or Gladiator gas for citizens to watch free of charge.
"Leader, if we are to pay everyone, how much should it be?" Gaius asked.
"As for how specifically to pay the officials and craftsn? How much to pay?... We can discuss and formulate this separately later. In essence, we must ensure that those striving for the tribe’s interests are not at a loss."
"But in the future, the tribe’s finances will primarily co from taxes, and distributing them as salaries every month will leave little left. Should a war break out, there might not be much material to support the army in fighting." As the Chief Officer of the Finance Departnt, Gaius naturally expressed his concern.
"Everyone doesn’t need to worry." Maximus had considered these issues and patiently explained: "Having tribe mber families that let Reserve Tribe mbers help with farming pay extra tax already offsets the issuance of salaries.
Moreover, the iron produced by the Iron Workshop, pottery by the Pottery Workshop, and furniture by the Furniture Workshop... are not distributed to the tribesn for free but are sold to them. The revenue from these sales is returned to the Finance Departnt... Therefore, we need to set up a market in the tribe, build shops, and sell various items made by different workshops to tribesn, which will be managed by the Comrce Departnt.
I rember there were so tribesn skilled in trading in the original Supply Camp. Pigeris, you can choose capable people among them to manage the shops and pay them salaries.
Additionally, we agreed to trade with the Alde Tribe when signing the alliance, and I think we can start implenting it now due to the drastic change in the situation."
"Leader, leave the trade matters to us at the Comrce Departnt, and I assure you, the Finance Departnt won’t have to worry about running out of money!" Pigeris said excitedly, feeling it was ti to showcase his abilities.
"Leader, the tribesn have just started living independently and don’t have money to buy anything," Volenus reminded.
"Let them buy on credit first, and deduct it during tax collection after the harvest. Pigeris, within our tribe, keep the sale prices of items to tribesn low, so they are eager to buy and won’t have grievances against the tribe."
"Uh... what about the prices for the Aldeans?" Pigeris asked sowhat reluctantly.
"The situation for the Aldeans isn’t good right now, so the prices of goods sold to them should also be low so they can afford and are willing to buy. Once they get used to purchasing and using things made by our tribe—" Maximus said aningfully: "They’ll be more inclined to stay close to us rather than leave."
Pigeris’ eyes darted around, and he said, "Leader, I understand. Before the market is established and trade begins, I will present the proposed prices for various goods to you for approval."
Maximus shook his head: "This is originally the duty of your Comrce Departnt, and you can decide on your own. Plus, the prices of goods aren’t fixed, as they can fluctuate based on scarcity and demand, which you should be aware of.
But one principle you must rember! We must ensure that not only can the tribesn afford and like using items produced by our tribe, but also that the Aldeans, Pannonians, and even the various mountain tribes want to use and buy our products. At that ti, our tribe will beco the comrcial hub of the entire Great River Plain, and even if we sell cheaply, we will be abundantly wealthy. So I have great expectations for the Public Works Departnt and Comrce Departnt. Let’s all work together!"
Reviews
All reviews (0)