Responsibilities of Weights and Measures Officials

Weights and Measures officials are responsible for checking almost every commercial weighing and measuring device that affects your pocketbook. They do much more than just check package quantities. Officials may be found checking the accuracy of UPC scanners and scales found in supermarkets, package labeling, gasoline pumps, liquid petroleum gas truck meters, fuel oil truck meters, vehicle, hopper, and livestock scales, to name a few. Weights and Measures sealers perform spot-checks on pre-packaged items to test the weight of the contents. Lucas County sealers are certified by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

The Lucas County Auditor is the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the entire County and is charged with the responsibility of insuring that all State laws relating to weights and measures are strictly enforced. According to the Ohio Revised Code, Section 319.55, "The Auditor shall see that all state laws relating to weights and measures are strictly enforced throughout his county, and shall assist generally in the prosecution of all violations of such laws."

The Auditor is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices used commercially in Lucas County. This includes devices such as gas pumps, store scales, vehicle scales, and bulk fuel tanker trucks. The Auditor is also involved with checking price verification systems (scanners), advertising, packaging and the labeling of products such as meats, vegetables, firewood, mulch, and milk. This offers you, the public consumer, protections from fluctuations which may occur from faulty measuring devices such as scales and pumps. A good Weights and Measures program saves the average household at least $300 in overcharges per year. The Weights and Measures department protects both the buyer and seller to ensure equity in the marketplace.