1. Two or more, not exceeding ten, contiguous counties may join in performing any common function or service, including the purchase, construction and maintenance of hospitals, almshouses, road machinery and any other county property and may join in the common employment of any county officer or employee common to each of the counties. The county commissions shall administer the delegated powers and allocate the costs among the counties.

2. County coroners of any number of contiguous counties may establish a cooperative district and appoint a district coroner and deputy district coroner for such district. District coroners and deputy district coroners shall be county coroners selected by a majority vote of coroners of counties within the district and certified as master death investigators by a professional association of the county coroners of Missouri. The district and deputy district coroners shall receive remuneration only for necessary expenses incurred for providing assistance in the investigation of a death at the request of a county coroner which shall be paid in the manner provided under the provisions of section 58.570.