Weights & Measures Week: More than meets the eye
COSHOCTON – Weights and Measures Week is celebrated March 1-7 each year to commemorate John Adams signing the first United States weights and measures law on March 2, 1799. Weights and measures responsibilities in the marketplace have expanded well beyond simple scales and meters and include much more than meets the eye. In addition to testing gas pumps and grocery store scales, today’s weights and measures officials are responsible for regulating a sophisticated, fast moving marketplace. As part of her statutory duties, Christine Sycks, Coshocton County Auditor, is the sealer of all commercial measuring devices in the county. Jarrod Tipton acts as her inspector and seals the devices on her behalf.
Weights and measures officials operate in today’s marketplace to protect consumers and provide fair competition among businesses. Besides assuring you are getting the correct amount of fuel or paying for the correct weight of an item, inspectors also examine price scanners in electronic point-of-sale systems to make sure customers are charged the right price for their items. In addition, they check signage, advertising and price computations in all types of businesses to make sure consumers are not misled or cheated. When they discover violations, they take action that allows the owner to correct the problem or they shut down the device. Recently officials across the country have been teaming up with law enforcement to combat the use of credit card skimmers.
Weights and Measure Week is a way to help the public to be more aware as consumers. As part of the recognition of this week, the County Auditor’s Office will have daily posts to their Facebook page (search for Coshocton County Auditor’s Office), their window on Main Street will have a special display, and Inspector Tipton is making himself available to speak to students or organizations. If one suspects a faulty device, would like more information regarding local inspections, or would like Tipton to speak to a group, please call 740-622-1243. Weights and measures affect everyone and is one of government’s most impactful consumer protection services.
Category: Government
