More than $400,000 was given away Thursday at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

During the annual Christmas employee luncheon city employees received a one-time bonus, totaling $424,277. The bonus marks the first time in more than seven years city employees received a Christmas bonus, Mayor George Evans said.

“By doing this, it shows them we appreciate them and we are constantly trying to find ways to get them more for the services they provide,” Evans said. “We’d like to continue to find a way to give [the employees] a permanent raise eventually.”

Selma firefighter Terrence Venter said he appreciates the raise and would likely spend his bonus on parts for his truck.

“It shows the city is moving forward by giving the raises,” Venter said. “I’m very grateful the city was able to do this for employees.”

Planning and Development director James Benderson said he also appreciated the raise.

“It’s nice to have some supplementary income,” Benderson said. “Employees deserve it. Everybody puts in work and pulls their weight to make the city run.”

Employees who have worked for the city for more than three years received $1,600. Part-time employees, employed for more than three years, received $800. Everyone employed for one to three years, received $400. Those employed for less than a year received $200.

Evans encouraged employees to spend the bonuses in Dallas County to help benefit the community.

“If everyone spent the bonus in Selma and Dallas County imagine what that would do,” he said.

The bonuses were possible thanks to a half-cent sales tax approved by the council earlier this year.