According to documents released by the city, Purvis accrued 349.15 hours of unused vacation leave and 64 hours of unused personal leave, both at $15.03 an hour, which totals $6,205.51.

City Administrator Paul Mendes spoke on Purvis’ behalf at the meeting and told the council he had spoken with Purvis on “several occasions” regarding compensation.

“He said he feels he is owed by the city,” said Mendes.

The council briefly convened into executive session before voting to accept Purvis’ request in a 3-1 decision.

Council member Patsy Williams was the lone dissenting vote.

“I have a real problem paying $6,000 when a person’s missed 728 days of work,” she stated following the decision.

Purvis held his position as municipal judge for 28 years before he was put on administrative leave by the city in February following a court audit, which revealed several problems with court procedures and practices.

After he was put on leave, the city voted to eliminate the office of judge in March by passing an ordinance.

The ordinance effectively repealed a 1970 city ordinance that provided for filling the office of Judge by appointment, essentially eliminating the position altogether.

In accordance with the ordinance, former Magnolia mayor Jimmy Thornton took over as judge until the city passed another ordinance reinstating the position and Thornton was then officially appointed judge by the council.

The city appoints a judge every two years following municipal elections in May.

.Purvis was unable to be reached for comment.

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