Decisions of the board may be enforced by mandamus, injunction, or other appropriate proceedings. The employee, the appointing authority, or the Houston County Commission may, within 21 days after the decision of the board is rendered, appeal to the court from any decision of the board affirming, imposing, or refusing to affirm or impose dismissal or demotion as disciplinary action by filing notice of such appeal with the court and causing a copy of such notice to be served on the appointing authority and any member of the board. Upon the filing of such notice, the board shall file with the court a certified record of the proceeding had before it with respect to the appeal, and its decision in the matter. The appeal shall be heard at the earliest possible date by the court sitting without a jury on the issues made before the board and the trial in the court shall be de novo. No bond shall be required for such an appeal and the cost of such appeal shall be taxed against the unsuccessful party or as the judge may direct. At the conclusion of such hearing the court may affirm, reverse, or modify the board’s decision, or remand the case for further proceedings before the board as the court in its discretion shall deem best. If the order of the court is that the employee shall be reinstated with pay, such pay shall be the amount earned by the employee during the period next preceding the taking of the disciplinary action in question. An appeal may be taken from any judgment of the court to the court of appeals or supreme court as provided by law.