Mount Vernon officials are putting together a plan to help tackle the city's failing sewer system.

Homeowners along Second Avenue in Mount Vernon have experienced flooding in their basements due to backups of the city's main water line.

"It's very stressful because you have to think of all the things you have in the basement and the next thing you gotta think about is if this is going to get mold," says Raymond Mehcic, of Mount Vernon.

Department of Public Works Commissioner Damani Bush says he's working on a short-term plan to address areas most impacted by the decaying infrastructure. He estimates about 40% of the system is critical.

"We are not running away from this, we understand it's critical and serious, but we have got to protect our residents," says Bush.

The city has collected millions in state and federal funding to work towards a complete overhaul of the system that's literally collapsing beneath residents' feet.

Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard says last week's heavy rains caused problems.

"I started to receive some photos through Facebook messenger saying this is what is happening in my home right now," says Patterson-Howard. "We are going to work to fight for our fair share of what's coming down the pipe."

The comprehensive plan is expected to take about a year or more to complete. The mayor says that information will help the city know the total cost of all the repairs needed to secure additional funding.