BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The Baldwin County Commission on Tuesday abruptly halted discussion of hiring a Baldwin County Emergency Management director after a heated exchange about the recently approved one-year contract for the county’s department heads.

The Commission agreed last year to move from a four-year to a one-year contract. The EMA director’s position will be a five-month, pro-rated contract, then renewed on a yearly basis. Commissioners earlier said the director’s contract and other contracted personnel would be considered for renewal at the same time.

Commissioner Tucker Dorsey said it was “a waste of time” to interview with a five month contract offer.

“Why would anyone want to take it in the shape it’s in for five months,?” Dorsey told commissioners at Tuesday’s work session in Foley.

Commissioner Charles “Skip” Gruber agreed.

“Why are we dead set on a one-year contract,?” Gruber said. “Some of the candidates I have talked to are concerned about the short contract. They are not interested in employment with a small contract like that.”

Commission Chairman Frank Burt and Commissioner Bob James both favor the one-year contract.

“I don’t understand why a government employee is better than an employee in industry or private enterprise,” Burt said. “If it’s the right person, who is not going to vote to renew the contract.”