Audit Objective
Determine whether the Niagara 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 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:
- Thirty-nine of 185 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 or update the inventory of devices.
- The Director could not support that he resolved six of the 14 complaints we reviewed.
Key Recommendations
- Perform required testing in accordance with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets regulations and AML.
- Maintain complete records, including an inventory of businesses and consumer complaints.
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.