POWERS.

(a) A commission may contract with a participating governmental unit to perform a service if:

(1) the participating governmental unit could contract with a private organization without governmental powers to perform the service; and

(2) the contract to perform the service does not impose a cost or obligation on a participating governmental unit not a party to the contract.

(b) A commission may:

(1) purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire property;

(2) hold or sell or otherwise dispose of property;

(3) employ staff and consult with and retain experts; or

(4)(A) provide retirement benefits for its employees through a jointly contributory retirement plan with an agency, firm, or corporation authorized to do business in the state; or

(B) participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System, the Employees Retirement System of Texas, or the Texas County and District Retirement System when those systems by legislation or administrative arrangement permit participation.

(c) Participating governmental units may by joint agreement provide for the manner of cooperation between participating governmental units and provide for the methods of operation of the commission, including:

(1) employment of staff and consultants;

(2) apportionment of costs and expenses;

(3) purchase of property and materials; and

(4) addition of a governmental unit.