MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- Despite budget woes, the Middletown City Council has decided to spend thousands on its annual Independence Day fireworks.

The fireworks cost about $40,000, Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said. He said overtime for extra emergency personnel and city workers costs another $20,000.

"So, it's about $3,000 a minute for those 20 minutes that you're actually watching the skyrockets go off," he said.

But some residents said they're not sure it's such a good idea.

"They shouldn't spend that kind of money," Middletown resident Jose Ortiz said. "The economy is very bad now. They should use it for something else -- for schools and roads."

Even though city is feeling the effects of the tight economy, Giuliano said, the City Council decided the cost was worth it.

To recoup the cost, he said, the city hopes those watching the fireworks will leave the river and head up the hill to Main Street.

"You make an investment of $60,000 and hope the return is a lot bigger for everyone," Giuliano said. "And it keeps Main Street healthy."

Since the show isn't actually being held on the Fourth of July, he said, more places will be open for business, including the First and Last Tavern.

"Everyone gets a piece of the business," said Barbara Humble, of the First and Last Tavern. "It's shared. Everyone get's a piece of the pie. It's more than enough to go around."

Giuliano said the July 2 date also means the city pays time-and-a-half for overtime instead of double-time, like they would on the Fourth if July. He said the actual fireworks are cheaper as well.

The mayor said he thinks the city would have understood taking a year off, but that "they're looking forward to it, because, what the heck? Who doesn't like fireworks?"

For a full list of fireworks shows in the state, click here.