In the absence of provision to the contrary, all fees and charges for licenses or permits shall be paid in advance at the time application therefore is made to the Clerk in the amounts prescribed by the corporate authorities. Except as otherwise provided, all license and permit fees shall become a part of the corporate fund. In no event shall any rebate or refund be made of any license or permit fee, or part thereof, by reason of death or departure of the licensee or permittee, nor shall any rebate or refund be made by reason of non-use of the license or discontinuance of the operation or conduct of the licensed establishment, business or activity. The one-time license fee for new and existing businesses holding a valid City of Staunton business license shall be Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00). For all new applicants for a business license, an additional one-time fee in an amount representing the greater of either Fifty Dollars ($50.00), or the amount charged by the Illinois State Police to perform background checks, shall be added to the license permit application. (Ord. No. 1328; 02-27-06)