Audit Objective 

Determine whether the Jefferson County (County) Department of Weights and Measures (Department) completed required testing of all weighing and measuring devices used to price goods and whether complete records were maintained.

Key Findings 

The Director of Weights and Measures (Director) did not complete all required testing of weighing and measuring devices or maintain complete inspection and investigation records as required by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets regulations and article 16 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law (AML). As a result, consumers are at increased risk of paying more than necessary for goods and services. Specifically: 

• Thirteen of 127 devices that we reviewed were not inspected as required.
• There was no system in place to maintain a complete and accurate master list of businesses and the inventory of devices required for inspection. As a result, two of the five businesses we tested during the audit were not included in the Department’s master list of 407 businesses.

The Department had adequate documentation and procedures in place for addressing consumer complaints and performing price accuracy tests.

Key Recommendations 

• Perform required testing in accordance with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets regulations and AML.
• Maintain a complete inventory of all businesses.

County officials agreed with our findings and indicated they plan to initiate corrective action.