(A) County disabilities and special needs boards are encouraged to utilize lawful sources of funding to further the development of appropriate community services to meet the needs of persons with intellectual disability, related disabilities, head injuries, or spinal cord injuries and their families.

(B) County boards may apply to the department for funds for community services development under the terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the department. The department shall review the applications and, subject to state appropriations to the department or to other funds under the department’s control, may fund the programs it considers in the best interest of service delivery to the citizens of the State with intellectual disability, related disabilities, head injuries, or spinal cord injuries.

(C) Subject to the approval of the department, county boards may seek state or federal funds administered by state agencies other than the department, funds from local governments or from private sources, or funds available from agencies of the federal government. The county boards may not apply directly to the General Assembly for funding or receive funds directly from the General Assembly.