On matters of the treasury... (Inviting players to join the RP)

[m_1512]

Quaestor Lucius Julius Libo stood outside the Aedes Saturni waiting for a meeting with two people. He had called the Curule Aedile Tiberius Honorius Lentulus to discuss something of importance. He hoped the man would turn up soon.

[cfmonkey45]

Lucius Licinius Varus noticed Lucius Julius Libo outside the Temple of Saturn. He wished to follow up on the discussions of the treasury within the Senate, but was cautious of not overstepping his place.

Greetings, Libo. I heard of the problems faced by our treasury during the session of the Comitia Hostillia. I was wondering if there was any way I could be of assistance?

[m_1512]

Lucius replied with a wry smile.

"I am waiting for the Adiles, whatever the men may be doing. I have instructed my lictor to send a messenger to them, again. It is about the treasury, and any city maintenance depends on it. As for your assistance, perhaps you can tell me how much income the markets make on an average."

[Mary The Quene]

Tiberius Honorius Lentulus walked to the Aedes Saturni and saw that Quaestor Lucius was waiting for me.

Tiberius shaked hands with the senator and spoke to him.

'Hello Senator Lucius, what can i do for you at this hot day?'

[m_1512]

Lucius raised a hand in greeting.

"Aedile Tiberius, I was just talking to Senator Varus who just dropped by."

He lowered his tone.

"I wanted to discuss about increasing our treasury. Additional money which can be used for projects of the Aedile office."

[Mary The Quene]

Lucius raised a hand in greeting.

"Aedile Tiberius, I was just talking to Senator Varus who just dropped by."

He lowered his tone.

"I wanted to discuss about increasing our treasury. Additional money which can be used for projects of the Aedile office."

'Yes our treasury should be increased if we want to maintain rome's public buildings'

Tiberius drank from his wine that he took with him

'I've been thinking of a small tax, what do you think?'

[Rhapture]

Lucius Valerius Poplicola steps out of the shadows towards the small group.
"I received your message Libo."

[m_1512]

"Ave Aedile Valerius"

Lucius smiled broadly.

"Precisely Aediles, that was my exact idea, a small tax for the benefit of Rome. I have invited you too since by your office, you are the tax collectors and also the builders. My idea was to tax the markets. What say you?"

[Rhapture]

"Do you care to elaborate Lucius? I for one am sure the plebeians will not be in favor of such a move."

[m_1512]

Lucius frowned.

"It is in the interest of the plebians, this tax. What do you imagine I would do with this fund? I intend to do nothing but appropriate the funds towards project benefiting the people of Rome. There are many projects that could be started for our city - maintenance of temples, water supply, and law and order."

[Rhapture]

Lucius frowned.

"It is in the interest of the plebians, this tax. What do you imagine I would do with this fund? I intend to do nothing but appropriate the funds towards project benefiting the people of Rome. There are many projects that could be started for our city - maintenance of temples, water supply, and law and order."

"The purpose is not what is in dispute. However, when you propose a tax that seems primarily aimed at the plebieans, there will be problems."

[m_1512]

"Aediles, what else is the solution? The wealth of patricians is in lands and their villas, and their exotic goods. Something that cannot be changed into denarii so easily. But then, I am not really that averse to the idea of taxing all citizens. Patricians could be taxed according to the size of their lands, plebians according to their trade income."

[Mary The Quene]

'Yes i can agree with that Lucius'

Tiberius nods

'What amount of tax exactly sould we put forward?, i propose a 25% tax for the patricians and 30 % tax for the plebeians'

'unless someone has any objection against this?'

[cfmonkey45]

'Yes i can agree with that Lucius'

Tiberius nods

'What amount of tax exactly sould we put forward?, i propose a 25% tax for the patricians and 30 % tax for the plebeians'

'unless someone has any objection against this?'

It would be absurd to tax the good citizens of Rome when we have other ample opportunities to acquire new revenue. Large tracts of state land, namely in the cattle ranches, as well as the Ager Publicus remain under utilized. Additionally, we could establish state-run enterprises through farmland and mines to generate new revenue. If that should fail, then perhaps we should seek to cut back on expenditures. I would not like to see more of my hard-earned money taken by the Senate, and then squandered on a Magistrate's new pet project with no serious return on investment.

[m_1512]

"I am not sure about the percentages. For all I know, the patricians could start selling their harvest to the enemies and plebians set fire to this temple."

[Rhapture]

"No, Tribune would allow you to tax at different rates. And you can always tax exotic goods, which would be equal to both classes." Valerius states

[m_1512]

"Fair point. How about we go to the forum and intimate people about this?"

[Mary The Quene]

'Sure let's convince the people'

[Rhapture]

Valerius steps back in surprise
"Whoa!! what exactly are you planning to do Libo? Intimidate people? You don't exactly have any backing to do try that course of action."

[m_1512]

Lucius raised his hands.

"Intimidate is a strong word, Aedile. I only say we go and announce this new tax to gauge the people's reactions. As Aediles, it is your office to collect the taxes and initiate projects for the benefit of the city."

He nods at a lictor standing outside the temple.

"And worry not, I assure you we all have no danger there."