There is hereby created the office of planning director, who shall be appointed by the planning board, subject to the approval of the county commission, and receive such compensation as set by the county commission. The planning director shall act as executive secretary of the planning or zoning commission and the board of zoning adjustment and the planning director shall be charged with the administration of the zoning laws and regulations adopted and the issuance of permits in conformity with the regulations adopted. The planning director shall examine all subdivision plats and determine whether the proposed development conforms to the regulations adopted. If the proposed subdivision plat conforms to the regulations adopted, the plat shall be promptly approved by the planning director, or the plat may be referred by the planning director to the planning board for its approval, amendment or rejection. The board may appoint such other employees as it deems necessary for its work and may contract with planners and other consultants for such services as it may require and may incur other necessary expenses, except that the expenditures of county funds by the board shall not be in excess of the amounts appropriated for that purpose by the county commission. The board shall have such other powers as are appropriate to enable it to perform its duties.