The state department may contract for state, county, or other public agencies to assume specified licensing, approval, or consultation responsibilities. In exercising the authority so delegated, such agencies shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and to the rules, regulations, and standards of the state department. The state department shall reimburse agencies for services performed pursuant to this section, and such payments shall not exceed actual cost.

If any grants-in-aid are made by the federal government for the support of any inspection or consultation service approved by the state department, the amount of the federal grant shall first be applied to defer the cost of the service before state reimbursement is made.