In any county of the second class having a population in excess of 500,000 inhabitants, the limitations imposed pursuant to section 40:38-28 of the Revised Statutes on the amount of salary payable to the first deputy county clerk or to any executive clerk or chief clerk in the office of the county clerk, shall not be construed to restrict any of said employees from participating in or benefiting from any cost of living bonus or longevity program provided for or established in such county.
N.J.S. § 40:38-28.1