Maximus paused briefly: "My idea is... all families that have Reserve Tribe Members 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 Members as their compensation. However, the current Reserve Tribe Members don’t have their own houses or apprentices to store grain, so we can settle it with them altogether when they become Official Tribe Members.
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 Members 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 times more tax than others—" Pigeris boldly objected.
"Everyone, don’t be anxious. Let me 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 craftsmen 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 craftsmen salaries.
Officials receive different salaries based on the rank of their positions, and craftsmen 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 craftsmen 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 Mediterranean. As far as Quintus, Capito, and Volenus knew, Rome’s Elders and civil affairs officers not only wouldn’t earn salaries, but sometimes spent their own money to please citizens, such as hosting large banquets or Gladiator games 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 craftsmen? 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 come 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 Department, Gaius naturally expressed his concern.
"Everyone doesn’t need to worry." Maximus had considered these issues and patiently explained: "Having tribe member families that let Reserve Tribe Members 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 tribesmen for free but are sold to them. The revenue from these sales is returned to the Finance Department... Therefore, we need to set up a market in the tribe, build shops, and sell various items made by different workshops to tribesmen, which will be managed by the Commerce Department.
I remember there were some tribesmen 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 implementing it now due to the drastic change in the situation."
"Leader, leave the trade matters to us at the Commerce Department, and I assure you, the Finance Department won’t have to worry about running out of money!" Pigeris said excitedly, feeling it was time to showcase his abilities.
"Leader, the tribesmen 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 tribesmen 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 somewhat 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 meaningfully: "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 Commerce Department, 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 remember! We must ensure that not only can the tribesmen 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 time, our tribe will become the commercial 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 Department and Commerce Department. Let’s all work together!"