Westmoreland to charge more to ensure the price is right

Westmoreland County’s department that ensures local consumers get what they pay for could charge business owners more to ensure checkout line scanners, gas pumps and other equipment remain accurate.

Commissioners are expected to consider the change in fee structure this week.

A plan was unveiled Tuesday to increase licensing fees for commercial scales and other retail measurement devices for the first time in eight years. If approved at the commissioners next public voting meeting Thursday, business owners will pay an average of $3 more to license each device used in local grocery stores, gas stations, parking meters as well as other measuring and timing equipment at local retailers.

Each device is inspected at least one time throughout the year to ensure accurate record measurements, weights and prices. Inspected devices also include gas pumps, scales at grocery store deli counters, coin-operated dryer machines in laundromats and jewelry scales.

Inaccurate devices are required to be calibrated within 30 days and subjected to additional inspections. Continued violations can result in $100 fines, as part of the county’s weights and measurement ordinance.

The county’s proposal to update the ordinance calls for new licensing fees such as $27 for checkout line scanners, $37 for small commercial scales and $57 for fuel dispensers.

“Our goal is to make the operation self sufficient, to pay for office staff and supplies. This is a really important service that makes sure folks get the gallons of gas and pounds of lunch meat they pay for,” Commissioner Ted Kopas said.

Two inspectors and a supervisor are assigned to the weights and measurement division. Public Works Director Dante DeCario said the county licenses about 5,600 devices and conducts up to 8,000 inspections annually.

About two dozen complaints are investigated each year by the department.

The department last year gained attention after it flagged cash register scanners at the Giant Eagle in New Kensington, when inspections revealed several devices recorded inaccurate prices.

The department generates about $230,000 a year in revenue, and the increased fees are expected to raise about $25,000 more in 2025, DeCario said.

Licensing fees have remained unchanged since 2017.

Westmoreland County is one of 1o counties in Pennsylvania, along with Allegheny and Beaver, that oversees inspection and licensing of scanning devices.

“A majority of counties have the (state) Department of Agriculture do it. Having it done here helps our residents to make sure they get fair pricing,” Commissioner Sean Kertes said.