Audit Objective
Determine whether the Madison 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 or inventory 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:
- Forty-two of 126 devices that we reviewed were not inspected as required.
There was no reliable system in place to maintain a complete and accurate master list of businesses with weighing and measuring devices that require inspection.
In addition, the Director did not develop and implement procedures for periodic price accuracy testing.
Key Recommendations
- Perform required testing in accordance with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets regulations and AML.
- Develop and implement procedures for periodic price accuracy testing.
County officials disagreed with certain aspects of our findings and recommendations, but indicated they have initiated corrective action. Appendix B includes our comments on issues raised in the County’s response letter.