(a)  The governing bodies of municipalities have the authority to appropriate funds for the purpose of contributing to the operation of a joint municipal planning commission. A joint municipal planning commission, with the consent of all the governing bodies, may also receive grants from the federal or state governments, or from individuals or foundations, and has the authority to contract with these entities. Every joint municipal planning commission has the power to appoint any employees and staff that it deems necessary for its work, and may contract with planners and other consultants for the services it may require to the extent permitted by its financial resources. A joint municipal planning commission may also prepare and sell maps, reports, bulletins, or other material and establish reasonable charges for these materials.

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(b)  A joint municipal planning commission may provide planning assistance and do planning work, including surveys, land use studies, urban renewal plans, technical services, and other elements of comprehensive planning and planning effectuation programs in and for any participating or member municipality, and for this purpose may, with the consent of all the governing bodies, accept and utilize any funds, personnel, or other assistance made available by the federal or state governments or any of their agencies, or from individuals or foundations, and for the purposes of receiving and using federal or state planning grants for the provision of urban planning assistance, may enter into agreements or contracts regarding acceptance or utilization of the funds or assistance.