Upon receipt of such application for a license, accompanied by the proper fee, if approval by another officer or department is not required, the Clerk-Treasurer, with the written approval of the Mayor or other chief administrative officer, shall deposit the fee in the general fund of the municipality and issue to the applicant a proper license certificate signed by the Clerk-Treasurer and Mayor or other chief administrative officer. If for any reason the license is not issued, this fee less $5 to cover administrative expenses of considering such application shall be returned to the applicant.