No person seeking appointment to, or promotion in, the service of the city shall either directly or indirectly give, render or pay any money, service or other valuable thing to any person for, on account of or in connection with his test, appointment, proposed appointment, promotion or proposed promotion; provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to payments made to duly licensed employment agencies. (Ord. 1068-76 §10(B), 1977).