Barbara Murdock

In August 2016, Barbara Murdock was named executive director of Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority after previously serving for more than two years as chief of staff to predecessor Ann August and later interim executive director.

A month later, Murdock received two checks totaling $20,000--one for $18,000, the other $2,000--that were requisitioned under "Relocation Expenses," according to copies of the requisition forms and checks obtained by AL.com.

Murdock had been living in Birmingham since moving to the area from Maryland in December 2013 to care for her ailing brother. In February 2014, she was hired by August and, according to sources, given a moving allowance of up to $5,000, for which receipts were submitted.

Murdock is currently suspended without pay pending the results of an investigation by the state attorney general's office into allegations of improper usage of the BJCTA credit card.

When reached by telephone on Thursday, Murdock, upon the advice of her attorney, would not talk about the two checks totaling $20,000.

She also would not confirm whether receipts were submitted for the expenses.

Requisition forms for $18,000, $2,000, respectively

The $18,000 requisition form has Murdock's own signature, along with that of then board chair Patrick Sellers. The $2,000 requisition form carries the signatures of BJCTA finance director Karen Jacobs and Sellers. (The $18,000 form has Sellers' original signature, while the $2,000 form has a signature stamp.)

Sellers, in a text message, said he's "not sure" the relocation expenses were specifically approved by the board, although they were "discussed during the [candidate] interviews".

The compensation section of Murdock's employment agreement, a copy of which was obtained by AL.com, does not contain an allowance for relocation expenses.

When asked if he signed the forms, Sellers said: "Yeah, I did."

Adam Snyder, who served on the BJCTA board from November 2010 in October 2017, shared in an email: "As a member of the board at the time of Ms. Murdock's hiring as executive director, I do not recall the board voting on relocation expenses for someone who already lived in Birmingham. Had such an item been on the agenda, I would have strongly voiced my opposition and voted 'no' to such an egregious waste of tax payer dollars."

Jacobs, in an email, said: "This matter is under an active investigation with the Attorney General. Until this process is done, I cannot comment."

BJCTA board attorney Deborah Walker would not comment on the requisition forms or checks, also citing the "active investigation" by the attorney general's office.

Two checks to Murdock, for $18,000, $2,000, respectively

The BJCTA has confirmed that materials pertinent to the investigation have been turned over to the attorney general's office. The office, though, did not respond to emails asking confirmation that the investigation is underway.

Murdock's attorney, Rod Cooks, said: "Stop the leaking and give the director her constitutionally guaranteed due process hearing."

Story was updated at 3:17 p.m. to include comment from former board member Adam Snyder.

Roy S. Johnson's column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Hit me up at rjohnson@al.com or/and follow me at twitter.com/roysj.