Weights & Measures

Williams County Auditor

Deborah S. Nester, Sealer

George Pinc, Inspector

 

 

As Sealer of Weights and Measures, the Auditor is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices used commercially in the county. A good weights and measures program saves the average household hundreds of dollars each year. The weights and measures department seal protects both the buyer and the seller by ensuring marketplace equity. 

The following areas are tested by the weights and measures department:

 

  1. UPC labels on products to verify the price marked is the price that is charged.
  2. Gasoline pumps to make sure you are receiving the amount of fuel indicated by the pump.
  3. Scales at groceries, meat counters, produce departments, and at registers are also certified for accuracy.
  4. Orchards and produce stands scales are checked seasonally.
  5. Scales at schools are certified during certain sporting events.
  6. Doctor's offices, weight loss clinics, and nursing homes are certified upon request.
  7. Commercial scales at elevators, quarries, and stock yards are also checked.
  8. Meters on commercial gas trucks (heating oil as well as petroleum).
  9. Bagged products such as feeds and mulches for weight accuracy.


  

WHEN PURCHASING GAS:               

Be sure that zero is indicated on the amount of gallons and purchase total before starting to pump the product.
Multiply the price per gallon by the amount of gallons to be sure the total price is correct.
When possible, pump one gallon from a self-serve pump and check price against the pump's advertised price per gallon.
Take note of the identifying number on gasoline pumps in case a problem should develop. This will help our office verify your complaint.
If purchasing fuel oil or gasoline in large quantities from a metered vehicle truck, when possible watch the meter as the fuel is pumped. Check to see that the meter is sealed by the Weights and Measure Department. Be sure you receive a delivery ticket which states:
            (a)    The name and address of the vendor and purchases;
            (b)    The date delivered;
            (c)    The price and quantity delivered; and
            (d)    The identity of the product.

 

 

WHEN USING SCALES:

Look for the current year County Auditor Weights and Measures seal on the weighing device.
See that net weight and total price indications show zero before weighing the product.
Make sure the correct price per pound is entered.
In over-the-counter sales, the scales and their quantity value indicators must be in plain view of the customer.
Question the merchant if you are in doubt about a transaction.
If more than one scale of the same type is in operation, note the number of the scale (such as at check-out counters) in case you notice a problem.

 

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:

Ask the pharmacist how many pills you are supposed to receive and ask him to include the amount on the label of the prescription.
Count the pills to ensure you have received the correct amount.
If a shortage is found, immediately telephone or return to the pharmacy to report the error.
Shortages are caused by human error or by electronic counters malfunctioning.

OVER THE COUNTER MERCHANDISE:

Spot check anything that is sold by count such as aspirin, bottled vitamins, plastic bags, stationery and office supplies.

 

PURCHASING FIREWOOD:

In Ohio, the most common, legal method of sale for firewood is the cord or fraction of a cord. A "cord" is defined as 128 cubic feet when the wood is stacked and well stowed.
The seller must provide the purchaser with a delivery ticket with: name and address of the vendor and purchaser; delivery date; amount delivered; quantity upon which the price is based; total price of the delivery; identity of the product in descriptive terms. When selling, advertising, or offering firewood for sale, a "cord" is the acceptable measure to use.

 

PRE-PACKAGED COMMODITIES & LABELING:

Two things to know and remember:
    1. All prepared goods must be marked with a statement concerning net contents.
    2. Net weight does not include the weight of the bag, wrapper, or container in which
         a commodity may be weighed.

Bread must be sold by net weight, wrapped or not. Boxed pies and cakes must also state net weight.
When purchasing produce by the pound, be sure that the person weighing it allows for the plastic bag (usually 0.01 lbs. and it DOES make a difference in the total price).
Meat and meat products must be sold by net weight.
All commodities must be sold by a definite unit of measurement: by weight, by measure, or by numerical count.

 

 

If you are going into business, or you are already in business and will be using a scale, please contact our office for more information. Not all scales can be certified.

 

George Pinc  is the inspector of Weights and Measures in Williams County. Should you have a question regarding the performance of a gas pump or scale in a location where you have purchased products, please contact the County Auditor's office at 636-5639, Ext. 302.