If any former employee of the City claims to have been illegally discharged and that by reason thereof he is entitled to compensation subsequent to such discharge, he shall before commencing any action in mandamus or applying for a writ to compel the payment of such compensation, file a demand therefor in writing with the officer, official or employee on whom the legal duty is imposed to issue the warrant for such compensation. Such demand shall set forth the specific amount claimed at the time of the application.
The sole purpose of this section is to give notice to the officer, official or employee upon whom the law imposes a legal duty to issue the warrant of the nature of the claim and the amount thereof, so that he may have an opportunity of determining its validity, and if he determines the same to be valid, to pay the same without the expense of litigation. Nothing in this section shall be construed to in any manner enlarge, modify, alter or change the right of compensation of any discharged employee.
(1952 Code § 6-6-3.3)