Ala. Code § 45-57-260.03

The planning commission may appoint, promote, demote, and remove any employees it deems necessary for its work. The planning commission may contract with county or city planners, engineers, architects, and other consultants and with any local, state, or federal agency for such services at it may require. The planning commission may cooperate with and accept funds from federal, state, and local public or semipublic agencies, private individuals, or corporations. The planning commission may expend any funds and carry out such cooperative undertakings and contracts for planning studies necessary in the performance of its duties. The expenditures of the planning commission, exclusive of gifts, grants, or contract receipts, shall be within the amounts appropriated for that purpose by the county commission.