NOTES - Politics - September 2007

Revised Round 2006 - October 2007

Time Relevance System

I’ve been wrestling with changing our time relevance to something a little ‘warmer sounding’. I wanted something that actually reflects where we are in time, instead of referencing a Period #. ( Period #s were used because I thought it was easier to see how many rotations we’ve made around the hood. With 5 simdays in a rotation, Period 5 meant that we’d be approaching 25 simdays in the hood.)

I’ve talked with a handful of my Mayor friends from Apple Valley to Harper’s Cove to Riverdale, over this issue. My interest in time relevance was renewed after seeing Lakeside Heights. My good buddy Mayor Antwan Snowden of Riverdale told me his plans, and I eventually decided I would do the same thing. No more “Period # talk”, in the future.

We now have Rounds to signify our rotation around the hood. A Round is another word for rotation. Each Round is broken down into 24 months, and random households will be played during each month in the simyear. There's no set way to decide which households will be played each month, it just depends on what is going on.

There were two major issues I had to take into consideration before changing our time relevance:

1. Where do we start and,
2. How do we make it work?

Well, when did we start? December 10, 2006, human time (ht). Starting from the RL year our town was founded, we'll mark our Rounds starting with 2006. Each Round lasts for 2 simyears.

We have a Calendar Page to reference where we are in the rotation, and to mark any special events coming up. Each entry is linked to its blog update, for convenience.  Located under "About Simmington Hills" on the top right, there is a link to the Calendar page.

How could we not pay homage to when we first started? And while we know that it doesn't seem like we've moved that far along if you're looking at the simyears at face value (starting in 2006, and only being in simyear 2007 currently)...It's still been a long time. We make note of how many actual Simdays we've been in existence on the Calendar page. I’m excited that we’ve reached 25 simdays. That's 25 simyears of existence! And it truly feels like 25 simyears, too.
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THE BREAKDOWN:

Also read Laura's "Time in a Bottle" notes.

It works like this: We visit each household for 2 simdays, which equates to 2 simyears in our world. (1 simday = 1 simyear: we all age at 6 pm, every simday.) So currently we are on Round 2006, which lasts from March 2006 thru February 2008. The next Round will be Round 2008, from March 2008 thru February 2010. (The Round number is the simyear that the Round begins in.) Aging is played OFF all the time. I manually age my Sims now. I keep up with their ages on Flashnote and list what they should be for each simyear.  Thanks to Carla of Sullivan Sims for these ideas!  It's been a tremendous help!

Simmington Hills’ seasonal order is, Spring - Summer - Fall - Winter.

March - April - May = Spring
June - July - August = Summer
September - October - November = Fall
December - January - February = Winter

Round 2006: March 2006 to February 2008

(Simday 24) 2006-07 March, April, (Spring), May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., (Fall), Dec., Jan., Feb. (SB)

(Simday 25) 2007-08 March, April, (Spring), May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., (Fall), Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb. (SB)

*(Spring) and (Fall) indicates Uni semesters. (SB) stands for Spring Break.

You can see above that there are two Fall semesters and two Spring semesters within one rotation.* That is because you break each college grade level into their segments, and play the semesters one at a time.  ie. (Fall 2006) is Freshman semester 1, (Spring 2007) is Freshman semester 2.  (Fall 2007) is Sophomore semester 1, and (Spring 2008) is Sophomore semester 2, and so on....you'll end up with a Sim that's been away to college for 4 simyears, if they graduate.  :)

-Sen. Sabien Cunningham, Sr., Spokes Sim

NOTES - Politics - Simday 20

I'm overwhelmed, as anyone would be after having to evacuate your longtime neighborhood and move into a shelter. I've had to make a few adjustments, but Lars Larsson and the Green Construction Co. have worked so hard to re-build The Hills back the way it was, and maybe even better. Thanks so much.

I'm just going to dive in. If anything is forgotten, please let me know.

Admin.-Owned (AO) Properties that we lost:

-SimCity Bank, City Hall, Simmington Hills Police Department, Simmington Power & Water, Technical Training Center, The Hill House, Willow Community Park, Willow Co. Public Library.

Sim-Owned Businesses that we lost:

-Aldi's Supermarket and Restaurant, Seth's Barbershop, SimCity Furniture, GameTime Sports Bar

Admin.-Owned (AO) Properties that have been re-named, replaced, and updated:

-SimCity Bank, City Hall, Willow Co. Jail, Willow Community Park, and Willow Co. Public Library.

Sim-Owned Businesses that have been re-built and updated:

-SimCity Furniture

A letter was sent out to each Sim-Owned Business owner, asking them if they wanted to re-build, or opt out of their businesses and receive a check for the Business Value of the lot. A lot of you said, "yes" to opting out of your businesses. Some of you are done, and some of you said you will re-group and re-build at a later time. As we make our rotations around the hood during this next period (5th), we will be dispersing those checks. This money does not come from the Administration but from SimCity Government.

Business Certificates (BC) and Employee Taxes:

All BCs will stay on file at SimCity Bank. Any business that re-opens will maintain their current BC and employee taxes, even those that change their name. As long as the following is adhered to:

-The business must be the same Type of Business that is recorded on your application.

-The same lot is used. (The BC is connected to the lot number it was previously built upon. For example, Aldi's Grocery & Restaurant was located at 201 E. Magnolia. Sergio Spencer would have to re-build the same type of business on this lot in order to keep his BC intact.)

Read more about Business Certificates on our Administrative Law page.

*You also must pay additional employee taxes if you hire more staff than what you originally applied for.*
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AO Properties that we lost have been liquidated back into our Hood's Budget, and new AO Properties have been accounted for as a Hood expense, naturally.

As stated earlier in Simday's Paper, we have several new apartments and community lots. You will be seeing them in various ways throughout the site as time goes by. Some of you will be happy to hear that a lot of these new apartments don't have a 5 to 15-simday lease. You can live there for however long you like. Cedar Two Flats and Cedar Homes will remain on a 5 to 15-simday lease.
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If you haven't already noticed, the Budget page has been deleted. I have handed over those duties to our Business Advisor, Nick Michels. He will post the budget reports at the end of each period in his Business Advisor NOTES section. If anyone would like a more detailed report, you can always email me at simmingtonhills@yahoo.com (Reports are done in Excel.)

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Civic Residential Lots:

We are currently handling these lots differently from before. Simmington Hills College Preparatory School (CPS) will be inhabited by a janitor, who has checked out with great references. This allows the Wise family to buy their first home and live outside the school. Maxine Wise is still the Principal and Teacher there. As I understand it, she will be hiring another teacher this semester to run the Secondary classes, while she remains the teacher for the Primary classes. She will post her Education Reports inside her periodic journal, as usual.

Same with the jail... Seth Guthrie has moved out to allow a new Resident Prison Cop to live inside the jail. His references checked out, too.

These Sims will not be bothered or prompted for journals...only the Sim who has responsibility for the Civic duties there, will report on these lots in their journals.

The Magnolia - Mayor's Mansion:

Thanks so much to the Hood Council for coming up with this idea. This beautiful mansion is solely for the esteemed Mayors of our town. And hopefully after me, there will be a long line of them.
It is not a permanent residence, therefore no property taxes are paid on it. The Administration has paid for this property and it is considered Admin.-Owned.

Spencer Farm:

We're so sorry that Sergio Spencer's farm was lost in the storm. However, Green Construction Co. built him another farmhouse and Sergio tells me that this one's better than the first! We wish him all the best, and look forward to the future Spencer Farms Fresh Market.
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The "How We Livin'" Tours have been discontinued.
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The Home Ownership Page (*Edit: HO Page discontinued Fall 2007), and the SimYellow Pages will be updated with new pictures as we make rotations around the hood. However, a new residential map has been placed on the front page of the Home Ownership page.

We ask for your continued patience as we re-organize.

*all Home Ownership (HO) information is now included on Sims' Simologies under the SimYellow Pages.

-Sen. Sabien Cunningham, Sr., Spokes Sim

NOTES - Politics - Simday 16

From time to time, I receive mail on my desk that I'd like to share with you. One letter is good, and one letter is not so good.
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Welcome to the SUN Core 2008!!

From: Apple Valley
Sent:  Mon
To: Sabien Cunningham

Welcome to the SUN Core!

We're excited that you're going to join us this term and we can not wait to meet you!

Looking forward to working with you!

Ayanna Kent

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I am truly honored to be working on SUN Core 2008 as a Representative. The SUN Core helps to UNITE hoods by organizing events, most popularly the annual Food Expos, writing articles, and keeping the hoods connected in communication through our SUN board forums. If any of our sister hood affiliates, who are without representation on SUN Core, would like to share any ideas they have in continuing our efforts to unite neighborhoods and build friendships across the borders, please contact me by email. simmingtonhills@yahoo.com

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This next letter came from Sergio Spencer, our Culinary Advisor and one of the "6" Founders. I thought I would respond publicly in order to dissuade any doubts about my office, and the SimCity Bank office, which is managed by Nick Michels.

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First of all, Sergio, I do not take it kindly that you chose to write this letter in anger at Nick. And I say this as your friend. I know that you two have had long running issues with each other. I only wish that you could find a way to 'agree to disagree.'

However, my strongest issue is that you are insinuating that I have made Nick and his sports bar, an exception to the law! And that is not the case!

This was an oversight on me and Nick's part. We both forgot that he had not filed an application. He has filed one as of today, and his application has been approved by me.

On the 3rd Period Budget Report - Simday 15:

Nick paid employment tax on two extra employees. Do you think for a minute that he would shell out $10,000 in taxes if he was trying to be underhanded with the law? I think not!!

In all fairness, I appreciate your bringing this to my attention. I do need to amend the law because businesses cannot - absolutely cannot - be running and making money, without a valid BC. So, as of today, Simday 16, the law will reflect that no business can run without a valid BC. And if it occurs, a $5,000 fine is due within the current period. If not paid within the period, then jail is necessary until the fine is paid.
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Building Renovations on Residential Lots

We are proud to welcome our new architect/residential building contractor Lars Larsson on Simday 16. The official immigration announcement won't be made for a few simdays. Check Simday's paper for the official announcement.

Within this 4th period, you will be seeing some major changes take place around Simmington Hills in the Willow County area. Lars will be building residential homes and filling in a lot of our vacant areas. It is my joy to see the neighborhood take shape and be as beautiful as I always dreamt it would be.

In the matter of our remaining Founder's rental leases being up this period, new homes are being sought out to buy. Lars's immigration to SH is coming at the perfect time. There are some issues that may arise, however, that have never been addressed. I would like to address those issues at this time:

If you own a home but the mortgage is not paid off yet, you may not renovate the structure of the home in any way. In other words, no adding additional floors or rooms to the building structure. (This does not mean that you can't build a storage room/garage in your backyard if you want to because this does not alter the structure of your home. You may also add a pool and landscaping.)

The building structure of the home cannot be altered, that is all.

*The Administration reserves the right to demolish a home at anytime, with enough notice. This is if there is an extreme need to make way for re-zoning, faulty building materials, or hazardous occurrences take place. Homes with mortgages paid off will secure proper sales negotiations.*

If you own your home outright, and you have paid off your mortgage, you may renovate your home any way you see fit. You must pay a $5,000 building renovation tax to the Administration before construction on a large renovation is to start. This tax may be adjusted in the future. This tax must only be paid if the renovation is a large one, such as a room/floor addition. Knocking down a wall or two, removing some stairs, windows/doors, etc., does not count towards a large renovation.

I must also take this time to release this very important information:

As of today, Simday 16, my wife and I received notice from the Termite Inspectors that our current home on 98 E. Cedar St. is infested with termites all through the foundation of the home, and the damage cannot be repaired. The house has been ruled uninhabitable and will be bulldozed. We must relinquish the land to the Administration and move within 24 simhours.

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Lastly, there have been several complaints coming into my office about the Cedar Street Two Flat Apartments, and the interior design being left as-is by previous renters, making it difficult for current renters to improve or change. Most of these renters state that it is costly to decorate their apartments when they have to move out in 15 simdays. After reading our new In Style Magazine inserts, some people complained that these recipients had to pay for their designs only to have to move and leave their hard-earned walls and floors behind. They don't think this is fair. Add this last one to all the complaints, a lot of our renter sims don't like the gold-flecked mirrors in these apartments, either.

After much thought, and after looking into our budget, I have decided to renovate each two-flat apartment into a neutral color-scheme for approximately $1,573 per each apartment. Every single apartment will get the same renovation at no cost to the renter. (The final costs will be reflected on our 4th and 5th period budgets.) I'm stretching this project over a 2 period time frame because we just left 106 E. Cedar and will not return until 5th period. For any walls or flooring you may have spent money on, you will be reimbursed for that if you show a receipt. You may decorate around this neutral color pallette any way you choose, but the walls and floors must never be changed and the mirror stays. Sorry folks. Those mirrors are in honor of my wife's mother, Carmela, who had a gold-flecked, floor to ceiling mirror in the home she grew up in. After I'm out of office, retired, dead, whatever...whoever comes after me can change those mirrors, but not until then. Please understand.

From this day on, the In Style magazine featured designer can only design rooms for homeowners, not renters.

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Another letter in the Mailbox:

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Stacy, thanks so much for writing.

The reason our Immigration office only formally introduces immigrants from other neighborhoods, is because Townies and Downtownies are universal. What I mean is...you know that saying, "Every Sim has a twin somewhere in SimCity?" Well, it's true! Names may be different, sometimes, but most times there is a Stacy Tse in every single hood out there. Freaky situation, right? Well, it's no excuse not to formally introduce you and welcome you into the hood.

So, from this day forward...all Townies and Downtownies will be written in on the Immigration page in Simday's Paper, by write-in only. That way our printer doesn't have to make up an Immigration card each time.

--Judge Sabien Cunningham, Sr., Spokes Sim

NOTES - Politics - Simday 15

Mourning our Loss, But Moving Ahead

We held a Hood Council meeting recently, after Asya's death. I must say a lot of our Founders were inconsolable. We are very sad this happened, and even Trinity stated that she wished she could've done more to treat Asya's problem. Despite almost losing her license to practise medicine because of the pending indictments, Trinity has forgiven Asya and offered her understanding that the SHPD was just doing its job. We embraced each other - as leaders should....through difficult times. We also talked about services that are greatly needed in the Hills, to make it an even better place to live.

Dr. Higgins, showing that she's stronger than ever after her bout with depression, presented a brilliant healthcare plan for SH, inspired by our neighbors in Harper's Cove. Dr. Maya Sheffield has instituted an awesome program there and Trinity feels it will fit SH perfectly. The new plan passed the vote, and will be instituted into our Administration and Laws at the beginning of Period 4 - Simdays 16-20.

My good friend, Cameron Masters, and Emerita Valdes, have been working together and presented applications they have accepted for a Principal/Teacher to run an Elementary School here in SH. They are both very concerned with the lack of participation at the library, by the parents, who haven't pushed their children to prepare properly for college. I must admit, Tomika and I are guilty of that as well. We must all make a valiant effort to help our children gain as many skills as they can at this influential age. (We will consider a High School once we have enough students for it, but as for now, we have 4 children, with a few toddlers almost ready for their birthdays.)

We passed a vote to build a school near the end of Period 3. A budget will not be set. Nick Michels is looking for contractors. Who we hire to run the school will be made known on Immigration Day, Simday 16.

I was visiting Apple Valley website, and noticed their cap on careers, and feel we should do that as well. Simmington Hills will be a dominant force in promoting self-owned businesses, we need to be able to fill those employee positions with local sitizens, not Townies and Downtownies all the time. I've asked Emerita Valdes to add Career Caps at the beginning of Period 4, on our Census Bureau page. To post the available/unavailable jobs. (The Criminal Career will be included, to my dismay and hesitation...but, we have to acknowledge that there will be some Sims who like to make their living shadily. My advice to you is that you don't get caught or else you will pay the consequences...that's all I'm sayin'.)

Simmerville and SUN

Everyone knows how excited I am that Simmington Hills now has the support of the Sims United Neighborhoods, and the support of a legend in Sims 1 and 2 history, the great neighborhood of Simmerville.

I would like to take the time to thank certain Sims who, behind the scenes, email me and give me support and friendship. Mr. Garmund Brybrey, Webmaster, Mr. Hedrian Appleton, SUN Registry Caretaker, both of Simmerville. Ayanna Kent, Hood Council President, and Alia Kent, SUN Core Leader, both from Apple Valley, Mandie from Fortune Shores (thanks for the HTML advice!), Evangeline Haddock, Spokes Sim from Baleen Island, and last but certainly not least, my friend and colleague, Kristin Pone-Sanchez, Spokes Sim from Riverdale.

Just to update on what has happened in this 3rd period:

We joined SUN and can now participate in a united network of events, neighborhood programs, festivals, awards, and have the ongoing support of other neighborhoods, just like ours.

We now have an affiliate program, and hope to add more sites.

We have access to all these wonderful neighborhoods, through the SUN Family Exchange, to visit and share with other Sims in Simworld.

I'm also happy to announce that we will be offering complimentary tickets to the Michels' family to visit a SUN hood for 5 simdays. They will be our first family to use this exchange program, and it's our privilege to send them. I don't have to mention how tough things have been for them, so a short getaway is in order. I will take over the bank's business while Nick is away. We plan to send the Michels after we have finalized housing arrangements for the visiting families from the exchange.

The Hood Administration plans to build a spectacular Bed & Breakfast in Camden Park, within the next two periods, that will house our visiting families from the exchange, and will also be an attraction for residents of Simmington Hills. There will be shops and eateries close by for visitors to patronize. This will be an historical lot, being the first residential lot built in Camden Park, and it will be privately owned.

We had a great turnout for our first community event, the 2007 Food Expo. It's a pity we couldn't do the entire 3 month event, but unforseen things happen, and I don't want to put anymore pressure on Sergio Spencer to host the event, when he's already got so much going on in his personal life. Hopefully, we will have next year, to do it up in grand 'Heart of the Hills' style!
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I have lifted the Immigration Laws, for now, allowing up to 3 new households to enter the Hills every 5 simdays. We need to grow at a faster rate, but in a timely manner. We need businesses and a larger population, in order to get weaned off of the generosity of the NPP. Until further notice...the Immigration law is changed.

Another note to add about Immigrants...if they are Service representatives, like Seth Guthrie (Jail) and Maxine Wise (School). They don't have to move into rental spaces first...they move into their residential jobs and begin serving the community. Because of this, they don't have to pay the Immigration Tax nor do they pay 5 simdays worth of rent. They pay 1 simday of rent each period. This is a perk for 'living' their jobs.

Their rent breakdown goes like this: For example, we'll use the SH Police Department.

Cost of empty building: $96,450

Divide that by 2 (because Seth lives in the other half of the building) = $48,225

*By law, rent is 1% of the total networth of an empty house*

$48,225 x 1% = $482 (Seth's rent each period)

--Judge Sabien Cunningham, Sr., Spokes Sim

NOTES - Politics - Simday 10

Money Well Spent

This period, we are seeing SH take on a whole different look. It's growing! We have built several new buildings, especially along Magnolia Street. A new hospital and also a cemetery. But, the most exciting news is that we have two new fun spots to visit! Ice skating and roller skating rinks! Our new Homemaker Advisor, Emerita Valdes, did a lot of negotiating with the SimCity Neighborhood Partnership Planners to see that SH had some fun places to go with their families. So, we thank her.

Our budget is not strong enough on it's own yet (just not enough income coming in), and I refuse to raise taxes at this point...Sims are struggling as it is.

We had to get another infusion of cash ($700,000) from SimCity Trust. The NPP allows for it as long as we need it, and as long as our town has less than 50 residents.

I will probably institute a business tax of some sort, aside from the Employee Hiring Tax...being that there are new businesses in the area, and the Hood needs help. This of course, would need to be voted on.

 

--Judge Sabien Cunningham, Spokes Sim

NOTES - Politics - Simday 8

New Bank and Banking Procedure

Simple is better. After a long meeting at City Hall, all of the Founders agreed that the Administration would relinquish it's ownership of Bank of America to allow the Sim City Trust to financially support and manage our bank. Any monies owed by the Administration will be paid out. Any old loans made out under Bank of America will be tossed out and refinanced through the new bank. The bank will still be ran by Nick Michels.

After Sergio Spencer's much publicized disagreement with the loan procedures, many complaints were filed about the Individual Account System being the only method used by the bank. Sims wanted a more hands-on way to deal with their finances. They brought their grievances to City Hall.

**It will no longer be necessary to open an Individual Account.**

Mr. Michels worked hard to find an alternative for us. He made a deal with SimModBoard and Sim City Trust. So, as of Simday 8, Sim City Bank is taking over Bank of America. The old Bank of America building will be demolished, the cost of that property will be liquidated into the Administrative Budget, and a new and bigger building will be erected. The building may actually be too big for our small neighborhood, but I like to think that we will grow into it.

Some folks opted that we move the bank to a totally different location, so it would not overshadow our wonderful City Hall. I'm all in favor of that, but I don't want it to be too far away from City Hall, seeing as I have a lot Admin. business to conduct. I've decided to have it built right before the curve in the road on West Magnolia, at 221 W. Magnolia.

The Council agreed.

From now on, any Sim, Settled-In or Immigrating, can gain a bank account right away. Therefore, they can get loans and BC's without waiting 5 simdays. They can take out loans according to what they can afford, and pay it back in 25 simdays. There are repercussions with the RepoMan if they can't pay back their debts. The bank book and credit card both keep track of all your banking transactions.

Edit: After touring the new bank, I see that it has a wonderfully large Personnel Conference Room, where all of the Founders can meet for regular Council Meetings. I move that we hold our future meetings there, and the current conference room inside City Hall should be changed to a chapel for couples to marry. The cost for marriages at City Hall will be $500. That same room can also be used for press conferences, if needed.

Cedar Homes Project

The Cedar Homes Project is the answer to affordable homes for families/couples desiring the privacy and space of living in their own home, and the affordablity of a subsidized rental property. Located in the Cedar Flats area, the rent is only *$192 per Adult, per day. Children and Teens is *$96, per day. The rent is due on the 5th simday before 6 pm. *See Simday 5 Notes for any questions. The Apartment Life deal signed during 4th Period (Simdays 16-20) does not change this rental agreement.

REVISED: June 2008 - Round 2008. The new time relevance requires a change to the rent on Cedar Homes properties. The NEW subsidized rental rate is based on the *old rates shown above and the new two-year rotation.

Cedar Homes rent is $6,912/per household, to be paid every two simyears, regardless of how many Sims are in the household. [The formula is: 192 + 96 = 288 x 12(mos. in a year) = 3,456 x 2(simyears each rotation) = $6,912.]

The rent breaks down to $288/month; an extremely affordable rate for the comforts of a private home.

Renting at Cedar Homes: (Revised Simday 26)

-Yards are to be kept up by the tenants. A fine will be incurred every 5th simday, if the yard is overgrown with weeds, any stray/owned dogs dig holes, garbage is left out, and shrubs need trimming. (Revised Simday 25: having leaves will no longer be fined, and fines are incurred at the end of every rotation, due to new Time Relevance system.)

-You may beautify your landscaping. This includes being able to add swimming pools.
-You can hire a gardener to take care of your landscaping/gardens. At your cost.
-Changes cannot be made to the exterior walls of these buildings, unless you've been given permission by the Administration.

-You may paint the interior walls, and change the floors. At your cost.
-Sims can live here for only 14 consecutive simdays. (7 simyears) 
(Revised Simday 26)  There is no longer a time limit on how long a Sim lives in Cedar Homes.

--Sabien Cunningham, Spokes Sim

NOTES - Politics - Simday 7

Public Assault

Sabien Cunningham, Hood Council Leader and Spokes Sim

Because of the hefty fine for slapping in public, I guess some of you think you're outwitting me, but that is not the case.

I recently visited a Pet Store in SimCity, and witnessed a lot of pushing and poking going on. I did not see any slapping or all out fighting, which would normally be fined, but several people were pushed into other customers, and some displays were knocked over.

I have revised the current fine to also cover pushing and poking. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior. It makes other customers feel threatened and uncomfortable. Not to mention the damages that the store may incur.

I have the names of all the offenders, including a Founder, and I will report you to the Security Advisor.

(Simday 16, Revised Simday 26) If a Sim has a record of offensive behavior showing he has commited any non-jail offense 3 times, that Sim must serve 1 day in jail and pay the fine.  (See Security Advisor - NOTES for Public Police Records.)

After the Sim's time is served, his record is wiped clean; (although it will remain on the Public Police Record...the 3 strikes offense starts over again).

Future offenses of 3 strikes, will add 1 more day in jail. (The next sentence would be 2 days in jail...and so on.)

NOTES - Politics - Simday 6

Mortgaging A Home

Sabien Cunningham, Hood Council Leader and Spokes Sim

My wife and I just bought our a new home, and we're proud to be the first homeowners in SH.

Nick Michels, Bank Manager, calculates mortgage payments by using a Standard Loan Analysis sheet found in Microsoft Works. This spreadsheet calculates the number of payments automatically.

How To Finance a Mortgage in Simmington Hills:

(For example)

The house costs $30,926.

(10% is required to put down) - $3,092

Home Ownership Right (Willow County) - $10,000

Cost to Move In: $13,092

The mortgage is financed at : $27,834 (30,926 minus 3,092)

(Revised due to new Time Relevance system. Mortgage financing remains the same.  However, mortgages are longer spread out in simdays, they are paid with Income Tax Statements, every simyear. 1/2 of total Taxes collected is paid to The Administration, the other 1/2 is paid to the SimCity Mortgage Finance Company.)  See the Tax Accessor's REPORT for a current mortage payment breakdown.

On our loan analysis sheet, it spreads out to a 70-simday mortgage at $2,000/period, for 14 periods. (1 period = 5 simdays) 

If you're figuring this out without a loan analysis sheet...

Take the amount financed ($27,834 and subtract $2,000 from it, for as many times as it takes to pay it off...you'll most likely see that on the last payment, an over payment has to be made.)

To explain the over payment made on the last payment: $2,000 x 14 = $28,000. $28,000 minus $27,834 = $166 overage

This overage will be counted as interest.

If you're really trying to pay that mortgage off, Sims can always pay more than the minimum $2,000 payment.

Note: A fuller explanation of Home Ownership, Buying/Selling a home is found under my Notes on Simday 5.

NOTES - Politics - Simday 5

Explanation on Set Up of Administrative Laws and Budget

Sabien Cunningham, Hood Council Leader and Spokes Sim

Before I begin, I'd like to thank SimCity for their Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP). With this partnership program, our Administration was able to start off with a $700,000 budget to build the lots we needed immediately. The great thing about it is, we will be provided with installments of $700,000 every 5-10 simdays, as needed. This money will help us to stay afloat until our neighborhood has grown enough to sustain itself.

The NPP also provided the construction for building, and the landfill for our garbage. Furniture was delivered from their outlet store to our residents, and they also provided each residential lot with a full refrigerator. This assistance has lowered my stress levels, and increased my ability to make the most important and necessary decisions about Simmington Hills' future. I want to spend this money in the wisest way, and keep SH afloat of any potential financial dangers.

I decided to name our neighborhood, Simmington Hills, because it is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and trees. It's two sides are separated by a single bridge,called the Camden Park Bridge. The Hood Council agreed that Simmington Hills was the perfect name, and it was placed into the SimCity record books with a unanimous vote. Sitizens can be heard calling it SH, or even "The Hills" for short. Our motto is "I Love Simmington Hills". Promoting an atmosphere of pride and inspiration keeps our sitizens motivated into action...which is desperately needed when a town is first starting out. Every Sim has to work together harmoniously to build a brighter future for impending generations.

The terrain of SH is such a large one, that I was impelled to divide it into 2 districts. Willow County and Camden Park.

Willow County is where SH was brought to life, and will be historical as the County Seat. It is also home to our City Hall.

Camden Park will be built up as a place for our more wealthy residents to live. As time goes on, I will present more thoughts on this district, to the Hood Council.

There are 2 types of sitizens in SH:

An Immigrating Sim: One who is just moving into the area, with no history (no relationships or memories).

A Settled-In Sim: One who has lived here all their lives, with history. Or it's one who has lived here before, moved away, and is moving back again, with history.

Any Sim is considered Settled-In, once he/she has lived in the Hills for at least 5 simdays.

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**The next few items will explain our rental and home ownership policies. To some of you, these rules may seem extremely harsh, but in order to keep SH afloat financially, these conditions must be agreed upon.

Cedar Street Two Flats  (Revised due to signing the Apartment Life deal)

Rent for the Cedar Street Two-Flat buildings is: $280.00 per Adult/Elder, per day. A child/teen counts as 1/2 an Adult, $140.00. (As of 4th Period (Simdays 16-20), the rent and due date at Cedar Street Two Flats has been re-adjusted in accordance with the Apartment Life deal.) If the Sim doesn't hold an Individual Account, the Sim must pay the amount (using the Donate Money function on Monique's Computer found at MTS2, http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=64137) The money should be rounded up to the next hundred (280 would be rounded up to 300. 140 up to 200). The Administration would pay back the overage, once the household has aquired an Individual Account. (Individual Accounts are no longer required as of Simday 8. Please scroll up to read Simday 8 NOTES, for a more complete explanation of our new Banking Procedures.)

Rent is officially due on the 5th simday (simday 5, simday 10, simday 15, etc.) before 6:00 pm. There is a $100 late fee to be added daily if not paid on the 5th simday.

After 5 additional simdays and rent has not been received, the household will have to pay the previous rent and the current rent due, plus any late fees. If the sitizens still don't have the money to pay, they will be asked to move out and forced to sell all their belongings up to the amount owed, in a public auction sale. Any monies that can't be recovered from the public auction, will be written off...a supreme "No-No" in the Administration. We lose money and we lose all faith in you. It will be hard, but not impossible, to rent or purchase property in the future. You will have to prove that you can handle the payments.

These apartments will receive renovations as needed: When they are empty of tenants and as the Administrative budget permits.

1. Households can live in the Cedar Two Flat buildings and Cedar Homes buildings for no less than 5 simdays and no more than 15 simdays, consecutively. Simmington Hills encourages home ownership, and needs the space for new Sims immigrating into the area and looking to rent.

2. Yards are to be kept up by the tenants. A fine will be incurred every 5th simday, if the yard is overgrown with weeds, any stray/owned dogs dig holes, garbage is left out, shrubs need trimming, or any leaves left unraked (Revised Simday 25).

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Bank of America - (As of Simday 8, Any Bank of America laws are no longer effective.)

Individual Accounts cost $10,000 to open.

Sims that can't afford an Individual Account right away, are encouraged to let their money accumulate into their household savings, and when they have to pay their rent/taxes, etc., they can send the money out (using the Donate Money option on Monique's Computer, found at MTS2). The Administration will keep track of any overpayments, and will credit the household once they have opened an Individual Account. Most transactions with the Administration will require an Individual Account.

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Home Ownership, Property Taxes, and How It All Will Work:

Home Ownership Rights (HOR) can be bought, sold or inherited only by Settled-In Sims. The Administration holds all Home Ownership Rights and all purchasing transactions are made through this office. In other words, to purchase a home, you would go through the Hood Administration. Any Sim can own a home no matter how much it's listed for, if they purchase a Home Ownership Right and they have 10% of the listed price of the property to put down, then they can purchase that lot. The remaining portion of the mortgage is paid in property taxes every 5 simdays for the duration of the buyer/buyer's family living on the lot. Property taxes will always be due every 5th simday, no matter if the mortgage is paid off.

If and when a mortgage is paid in full, the property tax will be reduced to $500, due every 5th simday. Also, the Home Ownership page will be updated to declare that the mortgage is paid in full. The Administration will accept lump sum payments on mortgages when taxes are due, to get them paid down faster.

If a Sim moves before the mortgage is paid, and they have no Buyer to take over the mortgage, then they will have to pay the Administration the difference owed on the listing price. The Administration pays back their Home Ownership Right only, but keeps the 10% they originally put down.

Homeowner's Benefit: The homeowner will have to take responsiblity on some of the mortgage that is owed on the property, but will get their HOR back, so they at least have that to buy another house with.)

If a Sim cannot pay their property tax, they will have until the next period (the 10th simday by 6:00 p.m.) to pay 2 tax payments plus $100 daily late fee, plus 2% daily interest. If payment is not received at that time, they will be sent a foreclosure notice that will be displayed in their front yard, and they will have to sell their belongings in a public auction until the payment is fulfilled. The owner of the home will have to spend 2 days in jail.

If by some odd chance, payment could not be fulfilled through public auction, the household will have to move out of the lot, relinquishing all of their belongings and cars. The owner will spend 3 days in jail. And, the owner and spouse will not be able to purchase another Home Ownership Right- ever-, but they can rent. Their children and future heirs can rent or purchase a home if they so choose.

In order to sell a Home, a homeowner should have a Buyer, and conduct the sale through a Real Estate Agency. When the homeowner wants to move, they must contact the Administration and the Real Estate Agency.

The Administration will pay out the homeowner's Home Ownership Right as an expense.

Administration's benefit: (The Administration gains income from the property taxes, and it gains income from any Home Ownership Rights fees that are paid to them.)

The homeowner, getting back their Home Ownership Right money, will then give half of that Right to the buyer, and half of it to the Real Estate Agency. OR, if there is no buyer, they'll use their Home Ownership Right money to buy another HOR...or not, if they plan on renting.

Homeowner's benefit: (The homeowner keeps their networth, which is the sum of all household value and the household's cash from the move, minus money owed on the mortgage (if they don't have a Buyer), but loses their Home Ownership Right, and must purchase a new one in order to buy another residential property.)

The Buyer will gain half the monies they need, and must already have the other half of the money they need in order to purchase a Home Ownership Right from the Administration. Then they must register the property sale with the Archive Librarian.

Buyer's benefit: (The buyer only has to save up enough money for half of a Home Ownership Right, but they also must have the 10% of the current listed price of the home. Meaning: They pay 10% of the current mortgage balance, and take over the mortgage payments from there. If the mortgage is paid off, they pay 10% of the current listed price.)

The Real Estate Agency gains half the value of a Home Ownership Right as income for their agency; a commission....in other words.

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Examples:

Selling the house to a Buyer before the Mortgage is paid off,: A Sim finds a property listed in Willow County at $30,926. Their Home Ownership Right is $10,000 plus 10%, which is $3,092. They can purchase and move into that home for $13,092.

($30,926 minus $3,092 = $27,834 (the amount mortgaged).

If they sold their home after living in it for only 30 simdays (6 payments), they would've paid $12,000 on the mortgage. (because the owner pays $2,000 property taxes due every 5 simdays.)

The new Buyer of the home would take over the mortgage at $15,834. Paying $10,000 for the Home Ownership Right plus 10% of the current mortgage balance, which is now...$1,583.00 The Buyer can purchase and move into the home for $11,583.

Selling the house to a Buyer after the Mortgage is paid off: Once a homeowner pays off their mortgage and sells their property to another buyer, the current listed price goes to...$34,018. (Which is the original listed price, [$30,926] plus the 10% put down to move in, [$3,092].)

In essence, property values can rise over time...with each new owner of the house adding their 10% amounts to its current listed price value.
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If a homeowner loses their property due to default payment on taxes, the Hood Administration retains the Home Ownership Right, and can either rent that property, bulldoze it, or donate it. Otherwise, another private sitizen will have to purchase their own Home Ownership Right to move into that property.

If any Sim, renter or homeowner, is a multiple time offender of the rules, They will no longer be able to rent or purchase property in Simmington Hills and will have to move elsewhere to live, that's right...emigrate.

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In matters of Heirloom (see Inheritance Laws), an heir will just take over the house and continue the mortgage payments, if necessary, or pay the reduced tax every 5th simday.

Hood Council:  (Revised due to new Time Relevance system.)

Hood Council Members are paid $2,000 every 5th simday. The Spokes Sim is paid $10,000 every 5th simday. The Hood Council are Simmingtonians that represent each career track. Currently our Founders are holding these positions for a lifetime (meaning until they live into 5 days or so as an Elder).
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Simmington Hills Police Station/Jail:

Any Sim seen causing a disturbance will be fined. Big Brother is watching. The money from these fines will be paid to the Administration.

Knocking over a resident's garbage can: $100

Stealing a resident's newspaper: $100

Disturbing the peace: $100 (if the cops come and shut your party down for being too noisy.)

Slapping someone in public: $200

Fighting in a public place: $500 plus two nights in jail.

Fugitives on the run from serving jail time will be captured and placed in jail for 5 days.

The Administration will encourage all sitizens to report any abuse of these rules.

The Hood Administration will have to seriously consider allocating funds to start building this new Police Station within simdays 6-10. We cannot have sivil disobedience running rampant through our town.

Future Plans:

Construction:

- Rental Town Homes, for those households that can't afford to purchase their own homes, but need the space for their growing families.

- Simmington Hills Medical Center

- Willow Heights Shelter, under our Welfare Program, this will be where Sims can live temporarily (no more than 10 simdays), requirements are that they have a job, and pay $100/per day, per Adult/Elder, a child/teen counts as half an Adult, $50.

-Simmington Hills Police Station and Jail.

-Landfill & Construction Site

-Real Estate Agency