Orleans, Genesee celebrates ‘National Weights & Measures Week’
Press Release, Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments
Provided photo: Ron Mannella serves as Weights & Measures director for both Orleans and Genesee counties.
As you try to make the most of your dollar, Weights & Measures is there to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. W&M acts as financial protection for both the buyer and the seller, ensuring fair transactions for all parties involved. We celebrate these relationships during the first week of March, National Weights & Measures Week.
The Genesee and the Orleans County Weights & Measures Departments test devices used in your day-to-day activities, including devices at gas stations, grocery stores, delis, bakeries, produce stands, and laundromats to name a few.
Last year there were 1,111 devices tested (Genesee: 705, Orleans: 406). Of those, 85.42% initially tested correct. When a device is found incorrect and in the store’s favor, the W&M director orders the device repaired. The business cannot use that device until the correction has been retested and inspected by a W&M inspector.
The W&M departments are also responsible for testing the quality of the fuel sold in the counties. This effort is 100% reimbursed by New York State. Last year there were 0 octane/cetane failures between the two counties.
New for 2020
Genesee and Orleans County Departments of Health are on the forefront when it comes to shared services, a joint effort to better serve their communities. Starting in January, the counties agreed to fully combine the two Weights & Measures Departments. This collaboration has created a safer and healthier environment for all residents as well as visitors to the area.
Between the two counties, the agreement has estimated savings of $54,290 in its initial year. “Rarely does a costs saving result in better and more efficient services for the community, but this arrangement does exactly that. We have figured it out,” stated Ronald P. Mannella, Director of Weights & Measures for Genesee-Orleans County Departments of Health (GO Health). “This department will continue to explore ways of stretching our tax payer dollars.”
Paul A. Pettit, Public Health Director stated, “This latest integrated approach to working across county lines and sharing services is another great example of how we can enhance benefits for our residents while reducing county costs.”
Protection at the pump
With support from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Genesee-Orleans and the surrounding counties are cracking down on credit card skimmers and those responsible. W&M inspectors perform random sweeps of fuel stations looking for these fraudulent devices. Arrests have been made and we want it known that New York will not tolerate these criminal acts.
If you have suspicious credit card activity, call your bank immediately.
Tested and approved
When shopping, look for the seal. These seals indicate the device has been tested and passed inspection by a Weights & Measures inspector. If you believe the device is incorrect, simply point your smartphone at the QR Code on the seal and you will be prompted to our department website. Once there you are quickly able to report a complaint. Our office will continue to accept phone calls and emails.
