(a) Each member of the retirement system annually shall pay the system a membership fee of $10. A contributing member shall pay the fee with the member's first contribution to the retirement system in each fiscal year in the manner provided by Section 835.101 for payment of the member's contribution to the retirement system.
(b) If the membership fee is not paid with the member's first contribution of the fiscal year to the retirement system, the board of trustees may deduct the amount of the fee from that contribution or from any benefit to which the member becomes entitled.