The planning commission shall prepare from time to time plans for the betterment of the municipality as a place of residence or for business. It may consider and investigate any subject matter tending to the development and betterment of the municipality, and make recommendations as it may deem advisable concerning the adoption thereof, to any department of the municipal government, and for any purpose make or cause to be made surveys, maps or plans. The commission shall have the power and authority to employ engineers, attorneys, clerks and a secretary, or any other help deemed necessary, subject to the approval of the municipal governing body. The salaries and compensation of any planning commission employees shall be fixed by the governing body and shall be paid out of the municipal treasury as other officers and employees. The necessary expenses incurred by the commission shall be appropriated and paid out of the municipal treasury as other legal expenses of the municipality, but in no event may the planning commission be authorized to create a deficiency.