Any other provisions of this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, each member who retired prior to July 1, 1998, and all members who have ceased their service as clerks but have not yet reached retirement age shall receive benefits under this chapter in the same amount as a member with the same number of years of service would receive if such member retired on July 1, 1998. This Code section shall not reduce the amount of any benefits which a retired member or the spouse of a deceased member is receiving on June 30, 1998. The increased benefits provided by Code Section 47-14-71 and subsections (a), (d), and (e) of Code Section 47-14-70 shall be paid to retired members and spouses of deceased members, effective on July 1, 1998.