(a) The quorum court of each county may provide, through specific appropriations, for a county to join, pay membership fees and service charges, and cooperate with the organizations and associations of county government of this state and other states for the advancement of good government and the protection of local government interests.
(b) Elected county officers, district officers, township officers, county officers-elect, district officers-elect, and township officers-elect of a county government may be allowed per diem and either mileage or actual transportation expenses for attendance at meetings of the appropriate association of local government officials. Reasonable expenses or charges against each local government, as a member of the association, may be paid by a county.
(c) Employees of a county government may be allowed per diem and either mileage or actual transportation expenses for attendance at meetings of professional organizations or associations, and a county government may pay membership fees and service charges to the organizations.