The county board may make a thorough investigation to determine the fitness of the applicant and the truth of the statements made in and accompanying the application, but its decision on an application to issue or renew a license shall be rendered within 30 days after the application is received; the license fee required under the provisions of this Division shall not exceed $25 in counties of less than 200,000 population, and shall not exceed $50 in counties of more than 200,000 population.