Reducing this town's cost(??)

[ReluctantSamurai]

Two things:

The city is making money, but because it's probably one of your largest cities, it bears a higher proportion of your operating costs as determined by the way RTW distributes those costs.

Second, you are close to getting to the next tier of governing building. After you put up the new Governor's Palace, you might want to consider upgrading your basic port to a shipwright. That doubles your capability to handle sea trade (in addition to being able to build triremes), and sea trade will eventually bring in more income than all other forms of income (farming, taxes, etc)...combined.

Pay attention to the level of road development, especially roads to Rome. Highways (which Romans can build) will also dramatically increase land trade. Developing roads beyond what your neighbors have does no good, however. The trade calcs are done using the lesser developed roads no matter if yours are better.

As a Roman faction there's no need to secure trade agreements with other Roman factions...you already get the highest rate. With other factions, you still get a minimal trade with friendlies or neutrals, but a formal trade agreement doubles the trade, so secure all the trade agreements you can, even with factions you plan on conquering later

One more thing...every player plays to their own pace, and the important thing is to enjoy the game. But......

........11 years in and you've only added Segesta to your empire?? I highly suggest you move quicker to engage the Gauls or you will soon be pleading to the SPQR for assistance from their doomstack to fend them off

[8-bit]

Really appreciate the advice, thanks.

I had no idea of the time that had past as this is really my first proper play through. The Gauls have been a real pain in the butt and really slowed my progress by attacking and regaining settlements I had just taken. The Senate hasn't help by asking me to capture towns miles from my front lines which are then retaken or continually harrassed dragging me into drawn out skirmihes.