DALEVILLE. Ala. (WDHN) — With debt ceiling talks deadlocked there’s growing anxiety about what could happen here in the Wiregrass if the government doesn’t reach a deal.

We’re just seven days away from a potentially catastrophic economic default and regions with a large military presence could feel it first.

Here in the Wiregrass. Fort Novosel is one of the biggest employers in the area and houses more than 20,000 people while employing thousands of soldiers and civilians.

A potential default could delay payments for those federal workers, this could lead to missed payments and fewer people spending money on items that they do not need or can do without.

Just a couple of miles down the road from Fort Novosel is the city of Daleville, located in dale county, a county where 5.8% of the population works for the federal government. which is one of the highest percentages in the state.

If the United States defaults in the coming week that could cause problems for the county and Daleville even if the default is short-term.

“We rely on sales tax to fund the city,” Daleville Mayor, Jayme Stayton said. “So if people aren’t getting paid, they aren’t shopping. So that’s going to be a pretty good impact.”

The debt ceiling currently sits at $31 trillion dollars. Currently, lawmakers in Washington are trying to strike a deal in the coming days, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has promised lawmakers he will abide by the rule to post any bill for 72 hours before voting.

Mayor Stayton just hopes that they are able to reach a deal before the June 1 deadline.

“I hope they can come to an agreement you know instead of fighting with each other,” Mayor Stayton said. “They need to think about the people for a change.”