MCCOOK, Neb. (AP) — A county attorney in southern Nebraska wants to hire another part-time deputy attorney and is asking commissioners to allow his daughter to fill the role.

Red Willow County Attorney Paul Wood made the request when submitting his proposed 2018-19 budget, which includes a budget increase of $19,020 that would be designated for the salary of a new deputy attorney. Wood told county commissioners that his daughter, Emily Wood, would be able to start Oct. 1 if she passes the bar exam, the McCook Daily Gazette reported.

Paul Wood said a second deputy attorney could help take over litigating unpaid patient bills for the county-owned nursing home, which is currently outsourced. The position could also help manage the workload for the county’s juvenile diversion program amid increases in felonies, particularly methamphetamine violations, he said.

County employee policy doesn’t allow a department head to supervise immediate family, but Paul Wood said state statute allows it with commissioners’ approval and proper disclosure.

Commissioner Steve Downer said it would be beneficial to have the county attorney’s office handle all of the county’s litigation, instead of contracting out some of the work.

“We’ll get comments about hiring a family member,” he said.

Commissioner Jacque Riener suggested that the county’s policy regarding hiring immediate family may need to be rewritten. She said the policy should include a caveat for a professional position since there’s a scarcity of willing and qualified applicants.

Commissioners will decide on the budget and new role next week.

The $19,020 proposed salary for the part-time position accounts for nine months, with a start date this fall. The position’s salary for a full year would be $24,000.