The Lorain County Auditor serves as the Sealer of Weights and Measures for Lorain County and is responsible for the enforcement of all Ohio laws relating to weights and measures. The Auditor is charged with the responsibility of insuring that all state laws relating to weights and measures are strictly enforced for consumer protection. The auditor appoints deputy inspectors who are certified by the Ohio Department of Agriculture carry out all required weights and measures duties.

Some of the devices inspected and tested are fuel meters (gas pumps), retail devices, price verification systems (U.P.C. scanners), packages (such as deli foods, meat and/or food that is packaged), mulch, firewood, vehicle scales and more. Each device is inspected at least once a year. The inspectors work to protect consumers and merchants by ensuring that the weighing and measuring devices are correct and accurate.

If you have concerns or questions about these or any other measurement issues, contact your local Weights and Measures Division. Try to supply as much information as possible about the transaction to make it easier for Weights and Measures to research the issue, e.g. the item being purchased, its selling price, the price you were charged, business manager or owner's name.

Gas Pumps

• Be sure the correct pump is being used, whether the attendant is pumping the gas or you are pumping it yourself.
• Be sure the pump is set to zero before gasoline is pumped.
• Check the price by multiplying the number of gallons by the unit price. Be sure this shows as total price.
• Make sure you are charged the amount advertised.
• If using a credit card, check your receipt to be sure the amount billed is the amount on the pump.

Retail Scales

• Watch the scale and the amount registered. The scale should be placed so you can see the weight, price and other information displayed.
• Make sure the scale shows a zero or minus sign before anything is weighed. Pay only for the product, not the packaging.
• If you have any questions about how a store weighs or measures products, ask the manager for information.

Price Verifications (Scanners)

• Watch as the price of the item shows on the check out register.
• Ask the clerk to check the price if you think the scanned price is incorrect.
• If the scanned price does not agree with the posted price, ask the store manager to correct it.
• Save the cash register receipt in case you have questions or a problem later.

Heating Fuel

• When you buy firewood, ask the seller to stack the wood (you may have to pay extra for this) or stack the wood yourself.
• Get a receipt which shows the seller's name, address, and phone number, and the price, amount, and kind of wood purchased. Write down the license number of the delivery vehicle.
• Measure the wood before using any.
• Take a picture of the stack if you think there is less than a cord.
• If you feel you have a problem, contact the seller before you burn any wood.

To file a complaint about a weights and measures device in Lorain County please click below to fill out our complaint form.

CONSUMER COMPLAINT FORM