The commission created by an ordinance enacted pursuant to this part shall be authorized to:

1. (1) Preserve and protect buildings, structures, and sites of historic and architectural value in the historic districts designated pursuant to that ordinance.
2. (2) Prepare a survey of all property within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Decatur.
3. (3) Recommend to the City of Decatur buildings, structures, sites, and districts for designation as historic properties or districts.
4. (4) Restore and preserve historic properties acquired by the City of Decatur or acquired by the commission.
5. (5) Promote acquisition of facade and conservation easements by the City of Decatur or by the commission.
6. (6) Develop and conduct educational programs on historic projects and districts designated pursuant to the ordinance and on historic preservation subjects.
7. (7) Make investigations and studies of matters relating to historic preservation as the City of Decatur or the commission deems necessary and appropriate for the purposes of this part.
8. (8) Apply for funds to carry out the purposes and responsibilities of the commission from municipal, county, state, federal, and private agencies and sources.
9. (9) Purchase, sell, contract to purchase, contract to sell, own, encumber, lease, mortgage, and insure real and personal property in carrying out the purposes and responsibilities of the commission.
10. (10) Investigate, survey, and process nominations of properties to the National Register of Historic Places.
11. (11) Investigate, survey, and process applications for certification of historic properties for tax credits for preservation expenditures.
12. (12) Contract with other municipal, county, state, federal, and private agencies and organizations to perform historic preservation related functions.
13. (13) Exercise further powers as the commission may deem reasonably necessary and proper to carry out the purposes, responsibilities, and powers of the commission.

(Act 89-400, p. 780, § 5.)