Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority Executive Director Barbara Murdock was suspended, effective immediately and without pay, Tuesday afternoon by the Board of Directors, "pending a full investigation into finance matters," said Board chair Ruby Davis.

The move was made during a special-call meeting of the Board, which immediately went into a 35-minute executive session.

Upon returning, the Board voted 7-1-1 to suspend Murdock and appoint Director of Operations Christopher Ruffin as interim executive director.

Board member Patrick Sellers was the lone "no vote. Darryl Cunningham, one of two new directors who was attending his first Board meeting, abstained from both votes.

The investigation will look into the potential "unauthorized use" of a BJCTA credit card, according to BJCTA attorney Deborah Walker.

"Which would be a violation of BJCTA policy and state law and her contract," Walker said. "Until a full investigation has been completed, I think [suspension] is the appropriate step."

The investigation will be conduced by the state Attorney General office, Davis confirmed.

Murdock appeared to be surprised by the move. Before the meeting adjourned, she asked: "Does the executive director have the opportunity to hear what charges are against her?"

In a remark aimed at the Board, Sellers said: "Hell, no."

Sellers then asked for a "point of personal privilege" in order to address the Board.

Davis denied it, saying, "I'm not sure I want you to speak. You've had one outburst."

As the meeting adjourned, Sellers said: "Be careful how you handle this."

Murdock, clearly shaken said: "I don't know what this is about. Previous CEOs have used the credit card, as long as it was paid back. So I don't know what this is about."

Murdock was directed to turn in all BJCTA property, including her automobile and telephone.