Subject to the appropriations provided, and after consultation with the Director of Finance, successive increases in the compensation of any employee may be made from rate to rate within the scale for his class, up to and including the maximum rate of the scale, upon recommendation of the head of the department or other agency, with the approval of the Mayor, at any time after the expiration of one full year of meritorious service at his then present rate of the scale. The approval of the Mayor shall be based on such evidence secured through investigation or otherwise as he may deem necessary to satisfy him that the employee proposed for advancement in rate has, in fact, earned such advancement by reason of faithful and efficient service in performing the duties of the position. (Ord. 168- 1958. Passed 10-20-58.)