22. a. The governing body shall make provision in its budget and appropriate funds for the expenses of the historic preservation commission.
b. The historic preservation commission may employ, contract for, and fix the compensation of experts and other staff and services as it shall deem necessary. The commission shall obtain its legal counsel from the municipal attorney at the rate of compensation determined by the governing body, unless the governing body, by appropriation, provides for separate legal counsel for the commission. Expenditures pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed, exclusive of gifts or grants, the amount appropriated by the governing body for the commission's use.