The prior service retirement benefit shall be a straight life annuity, payable monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually with the first payment made as of the annuity start date, in an amount determined in accordance with section 23-2333. No prior service retirement benefit shall be paid to any person who terminates his or her employment unless such person has been continuously employed by the county for ten or more years immediately prior to termination. An employee meeting such requirement and who terminates his or her employment shall not receive a prior service benefit determined in accordance with section 23-2333 prior to attaining age sixty-five.

Prior service retirement benefits shall be paid directly by the county to the retired employee.