(1) A regional planning commission may conduct all types of research studies, collect and analyze data, prepare maps, charts, and tables, and conduct all necessary studies for the accomplishment of its other duties; may make and coordinate the development of plans for the physical, social, and economic development of the region, and may adopt, by resolution of its governing body, a plan or the portion of a plan so prepared or any objective consistent with a plan as its official recommendation for the development of the region; may publicize and advertise its purposes, objectives, and findings, and may distribute reports on its purposes, objectives, and findings; may, by resolution of its governing body and with the consent of the affected governmental units, or other public or private bodies, provide services to participating local governmental units, the state, and to other public and private bodies and citizens in matters relative to its functions, plans, and objectives provided those services are not available through the private sector at a competitive cost; may charge the recipients of its services a reasonable fee for those services; and may act as a coordinating agency for programs and activities of public and private bodies and citizens as they relate to its objectives. A regional planning commission shall make an annual report of its activities to the legislative bodies of the participating local governmental units.

    (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a local governmental unit may not be charged for a service provided by a regional planning commission pursuant to subsection (1) unless the charge is accepted by a vote of the legislative body of that governmental unit.