An appointing authority shall have authority to suspend an employee for any personal misconduct, or fact, affecting or concerning his or her fitness or ability to perform his or her duties in the public interest. In the event an employee is suspended for more than 30 days, he or she shall be entitled to a public hearing by the board upon written demand filed within five days from the date of the order of suspension. If, after hearing, the board determines that the action of the appointing authority was not with cause, the suspension shall be revoked.
Ala. Code § 45-8A-130.12 (1975)