The county board is hereby authorized to appropriate to the planning commission from any funds under its control and not otherwise appropriated, such sum as the county board may deem proper for said work as above, and within the amounts so appropriated, the regional planning commission shall have the authority:
(1) to employ such assistance as it may deem necessary;(2) with the concurrence of the county board of any county to accept, receive and expend funds, grants and services from the federal government, or its agencies, and from departments, agencies and instrumentalities of state and local governments;(3) to contract with respect to any funds, grants or services from whatever source derived;(4) to provide such information and reports as may be necessary to secure financial aid.