Every application for an original license under sections 45-114 to 45-158 shall be filed not less than thirty days prior to the date of hearing thereon. Notice of the filing of the application shall be published by the Department of Banking and Finance three successive weeks in a legal newspaper published in or of general circulation in the county where the applicant proposes to operate the business of lending money. The expense of the publication shall be paid by the applicant. Written protest against the issuance of the license may be filed with the department by any person not less than five days before the date set for hearing. The department, in its discretion, may grant a continuance. The Director of Banking and Finance shall have the power to reject any application for license after hearing. He or she shall, within his or her discretion, make examination and inspection concerning the propriety of the issuance of a license to any applicant. The cost of such examination and inspection shall be borne by the applicant.