Audit Objective
Determine whether the Orange 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, inventory 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:
- 165 of 446 devices that we reviewed were not inspected as required.
- The Director did not monitor or update the database the Department used to maintain the master list of businesses with weighing and measuring devices; the master list contained numerous errors and omissions and did not include businesses with only timing devices.
- Two of 19 consumer complaints did not include documentation to show the results of the Department’s investigation.
In addition, the Director did not develop and implement procedures for periodic price accuracy testing; testing conducted by the Department did not meet AML standards.
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 agreed with our findings and indicated they plan to initiate corrective action.