A local planning commission shall organize itself electing one of its members as chairman and one as vice-chairman whose terms shall be for one year. It shall appoint a secretary who may be an officer or an employee of the governing authority or of the planning commission. The planning commission shall meet at the call of the chairman and at such times as the chairman or commission may determine.

The commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, which record shall be a public record. The planning commission may employ such staff and consult with and retain such experts as it deems necessary consistent with funds available. It may make expenditures for salaries of any employees and staff, contracts with consultants, and for the purchase of required equipment and supplies. The expenditures of the planning commission, exclusive of gifts to the commission or contract receipts, shall be within the amounts appropriated for the purpose by the governing authority or authorities empowered to determine, agree upon, and appropriate funds for the payment of the expenses of the planning commission or their respective shares thereof.