Homeowners across Mendocino County say they’re getting slammed with unexpected back-tax bills after the county caught up on years of delayed property reassessments. Some Residents say they suddenly owed tens of thousands of dollars through what are called escape assessments. County officials blame staffing shortages and a backlog that built up during the pandemic, saying the retroactive bills are legal under California law. Now, frustrated homeowners are organizing online and considering challenges to the county’s handling of the process.