Those persons eligible under either Section 36-22-40 or 36-22-41 shall receive payments equal to $750.00 per month, but in no event shall any person receive payments pursuant to both the retirement and disability provisions simultaneously. Said payments shall be paid from the general fund of the county in which said eligible persons reside upon their retirement or disability. However, this article is permissive in nature and the governing body of said county may decline to make such payments. In such event the full amount of any contributions made shall be paid back to the eligible sheriff.