Circuit Judge David Strong has denied a motion filed by Greg Martin seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction against Mayor Zach Patterson.
The judge’s ruling came after a hearing this morning in Pike County Circuit Court and reverses a June 10 order by the McComb Civil Service Commission to reinstate Martin acting police chief.
Strong cited a Mississippi Supreme Court ruling in a Columbus case that the Civil Service Commission has no jurisdiction over acting employees.
John Ott, Martin’s attorney, filed the motion against Patterson on June 12, after Martin was prevented from resuming office as acting police chief.
Martin was suspended by Patterson on May 11 for insubordination. McComb selectmen voted 3-3 on a motion to reinstate Martin at a June 9 meeting with Patterson breaking the tie by voting not to reinstate.
The McComb Civil Service Commission voted on June 10 to reinstate Martin, and the selectmen at a June 11 meeting voted 4-1 not to appeal the commission’s decision.
