Merit-based pay hikes for city employees in Vicksburg should be determined within weeks, in time to take effect by the first of the year, Mayor Robert Walker said Wednesday.

Members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen have already met with department heads to discuss the performance of employees in each department.

But board members still have to meet to discuss pay raises for the department heads themselves, said South Ward Alderman Sam Habeeb.

About $600,000 was set aside in the budget for the year that started Oct. 1 to fund raises, but Walker said at the time that some of the money would be used for other purposes.

Renovating the downtown parking lot next to St. Paul Catholic Church is expected to use about $150,000 of the funds, leaving about $450,000 for raises, including cost of living adjustments. Vicksburg has more than 600 employees.

Between 25 and 30 city employees have already gotten a pay raise this year, Personnel Director Wayne Roberts said. Employees who were making $6 an hour, previously the minimum wage for city workers, were increased to $6.25 in October.