N.C. Gen. Stat. § 158-14

Any municipalities and/or counties desiring to exercise the powers granted by this Article may, at their option, create a regional planning and economic development commission, which shall have and exercise all of the powers and duties granted to a regional economic development commission under this Article and in addition the powers and duties granted to a regional planning commission under Article 23 of Chapter 153. In the event that such a combined commission is created, it shall keep separate books of accounts for appropriations and expenditures made pursuant to this Article and for appropriations and expenditures made pursuant to Article 23 of Chapter 153. The financial limitations set forth in each such Article shall govern expenditures made pursuant to such Article.