On the request of a unit of State government, the Secretary, consistent with available resources, shall offer assistance to the unit in personnel and employee relations matters. On request to the Secretary, the Department, consistent with available resources, shall assist any county or municipal corporation of the State that adopts a merit system for its employees, so that merit systems may be administered throughout the State without unnecessary expense. The Department shall assist the county or municipal corporation making the request by: helping to test candidates for positions; helping to prepare regulations; and making available the full use of the facilities of the Department. Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department shall provide the assistance required by this subsection without charge. A county or municipal corporation shall reimburse the Department for travel and other expenses that the Department incurs because of the use of departmental facilities by that county or municipal corporation.