!!DRAFT, PROPOSAL ONLY!! ================== # Principles To have a home in our economic system requires payment of costs for three things, quoting @Kari: > 1) The cost of land on which we live (this is the only truly non-negotiable, and the only genuinely appreciating asset, as everything else depreciates) > 2) The cost of the dwelling in which we live (this is whatever we want it to be within the means we have available - folks can live in a tent if they want, or a mansion if they prefer) > 3) The cost of the resources we use to facilitate our way of life - i.e. bills (this is also whatever we want it to be within the means we have available - folks can be frugal or decadent, and there are differing opinions on what's genuinely necessary) > > So, as I see it, while land is a cost, then it's a cost everyone should pay an equal share of, unless by some agreement someone is able to access more of it in a way that restricts access to others (basically how capitalism works, eh? And if we're not capitalists, then we share.). > > The dwellings we live in differ from person to person, based on whether an individual brings their own resources to the table, or utilises resources made available to them by someone else. The cost would therefore vary. If I bring my own tiny home, for example, then I'm paying for that, but I'm not paying it to the Sanctuary, because the Sanctuary is not providing it. If the Sanctuary provides me with a room, or other accommodation, then I pay the Sanctuary for access to that. > > Our use of resources will also vary depending on our setup and whether we're sharing or independent. So, for example, if my tiny is off-grid, then I'm not using shared water or electricity, so I wouldn't expect to pay bills for resources provided by the Sanctuary. I'd be paying for my own off-grid setup, so still paying, but paying specifically to the provider of my resources. But if the Sanctuary provides my electricity and water, then I would see it as fair to pay an equal share of that. And if the overall costs are not what I would expect to pay, then I'd seek to negotiate ways in which all who share in those costs could arrive at costs we're all happy to pay (this would generally be by managing consumption, not trying to wriggle out of an equal share 🙂 ). > So, with that as the basis of my thinking, I'm suggesting the cost of land, dwellings, and bills all be managed separately, and in accordance with what any given individual is accessing. This would, in practice, involve figuring out a value that covers the cost of the land, and splitting that. And then figuring out a value that covers the cost of any dwelling provided by the Sanctuary, and charging that to any given individual accessing said dwelling. And then bills just split equally among those who use shared resources. Needs discussion: > The one thing I'll say that might be more controversial is that I think I should still pay for the use of the land when I'm not there if I have a dwelling on the land. If that dwelling is provided by the Sanctuary, then I also need to pay for that. But I would not need to pay bills if I'm away for an extended period, as I would not be using those resources (within reason - i.e. if I'm away for a couple of days, or go on a two-week holiday, then that's negligible in the grand scheme of things, it's something we all do, and it's easier not to quibble as it probably balances out). !!Suggestion:!! Separate agreed-upon storage fees if a dwelling is packed up "out of the way", but standard rent charged if dwelling is set up in a way that others can't use a potentially rentable space # Financials !!Suggestion:!! $100 for individuals living on the space in their own dwelling. $150 when that includes a Sanctuary resource not owned by the resident, such as a room in the Cottage or Lily's Tiny Home. That $150 can be reduced down to $100 again if people do (e.g.) 4+ hours work per week on Sanctuary tasks (explicitly paid back as volunteer stipend). Bills (internet, water, extraordinary electricity) still extra. Maintaining one's individual space as clean and mowed is not part of those 4+ hours. # Responsibilities I understand the area that has been allocated to my care and stewardship. I agree to maintain the area by keeping, at all times, where practicable - all relevant grassed areas mowed below 10cm high - all relevant planted trees watered - the fire load low - litter and mess in bins or taken to the dump - no unnecessarily bright (including white light at night) or visually unappealing or offensive items - no rocks or hidden items in areas that may be mowed - weeds removed I agree that any cables or pipes (electricity, water or other) in my area will be regularly maintained to be clean and free of grass or weeds as a high priority! I agree that if I do not keep this agreement, another resident or collaborator can perform these maintenance tasks and I agree to pay them at least standard minimum wage for doing so. I agree that said resident or collaborator may access my space while performing these tasks, as long as they give me reasonable notice that they are doing so (and a chance for myself to remedy first).