Jo Ellen Litz
WeightsMeasures

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People Above Politics

Taking Action, Getting Results.

2501 Cumberland St., Lebanon PA 17042

644-4698

If you demand open government, drop me a note to receive email alerts informing you of meeting highlights that let you know how commissioners vote on issues. Litz@mbcomp.com

Team Litz:

Honorary Chair: Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll --a woman who broke the glass ceiling and contributed greatly to PA politics; born in 1930, died November 12, 2008.

Chair: Jeff Werner

Treasurer: Richelle Whitman

Weights & Measures

Ronald F. Mace was the County's sealer of Weights and Measures. His duties included visiting gas stations to test the accuracy of gas pumps and visiting grocery stores to measure the accuracy of scales.

As of May 1, 2004 the State of PA is responsible to complete inspections of our 363 gas stations, grocery stores, and other businesses to make sure their weight scales and fuel pumps are accurate. However, with limited staff, Ken Deitzler, from the state, says that our measuring devices may not get checked as frequently. Contact Ken at at either (717) 787-9089 or kditzler@state.pa.us .

Collecting data concerning the number of devices from an annual report, I learned that there were 1630 devices examined by our Sealer in 2003. The State does additional inspections. Further, I learned that Act 155 of 1996 (Consolidated Weights and Measure Act) gives counties more options for performing weights and measures duties. More specifically, Lebanon County can impose inspection fees—from $10-$30 per device—which would cover a local inspector’s wages and benefits.

In addition, there is the issue of consumer protection. Measuring devices fail, sometimes on the side of the retailer and sometimes on the side of the consumer. Take a look at these statistics:

Weighing Devices

	Of 560 computing scales, 36 (6%) failed the initial inspection. Six of those 36 failed a reinspection.
	Of 49 platform (floor type) scales, nine (18%) were rejected on the initial inspection and two were rejected a second time.

Measuring Devices

	Of 778 motor fuel dispensers, 391 failed the initial inspection. That’s 50%.
	Of 114 diesel fuel dispensers, 60 were rejected on the initial inspection. That’s almost 53%.
	Of 34 Kerosene dispensers, 15 failed (44%).
	Of 12 vehicle tank meters, 4 failed (33%).

Adams, Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware are among counties already charging for inspections.

At a time when gasoline is nearly $2.00 per gallon, it is imperative that we make sure customers get what they pay for.

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