The board of supervisors in any county may contract with any other county or counties or with the department for the operation and maintenance of such public social services as are provided in one or more of the contracting counties, or for the establishment and maintenance of such public social services as the board of supervisors shall deem to be desirable to discharge the duties of the county to provide for public social services for those eligible therefor or the health and care of the sick. Except as provided in Section 11050, the cost of contracted services shall be borne by the contracting county or counties and shall, insofar as state or federal funds are involved, conform to department standards and regulations generally applicable to such services.