BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Baldwin County’s Emergency Management Agency director abruptly resigned Friday, citing an alleged breach in the county’s process for resolving disciplinary matters confidentially.

Commission chairman Frank Burt talked briefly with Melvin Stringfellow via phone early Monday. He said Stringfellow will be at the Baldwin County Commission meeting Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Bay Minette to address the commission.

Burt said he was not sure if the resignation involved the termination last week of Leigh Anne Ryals, deputy director of EMA and former director before accepting a voluntary demotion earlier this year.

Stringfellow’s two-paragraph letter of resignation is dated April 4 and addressed to all commissioners. He also asked county leaders to waive the two-week notice required by his contract.

“”The public statements made were based on inaccurate and incomplete information that I believe will unfairly influence the outcome of my recommendation,” Stringfellow stated in his resignation.

“Although I stand by my recommendation, I believe that my ability to manage the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency effectively has been compromised.

“The best course of action for me and my family is to pursue other career opportunities.”

Burt said Stringfellow has a stellar reputation in emergency management and expressed confusion about the resignation.

“The county is in good shape financially, and he is well respected,” Burt said. There is no need for him to crash and burn. He fired Leigh Ann Ryals, if that is what this is about. But she is still on the payroll,” while the county’s personnel department follows procedures.

Stringfellow stated in an email to Gulf Coast Newspapers on Monday that he would not immediately respond.

“My resignation will be before the commission tomorrow morning,” he stated. “I respectfully request that you allow that to take place before asking me any questions.”