The Bureau of Weights and Measures inspects, tests and certifies the accuracy of all commercial weighing and measuring devices, including gasoline and other fuel pumps or meters in Erie County. It is responsible for enforcing all applicable laws, rules, regulations and ordinances prescribed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the County of Erie. It ensures that buyers and sellers of commodities base their transactions upon accurate weights, measures or counts by confirming the accuracy and the proper usage of all commercial devices.

The Bureau receives revenue from civil penalties assessed for violations of the New York State Agriculture and Markets law and local legislation. A user fee system was enacted in 1989 to help defray this Bureau’s cost to the taxpayers.

In 1994, the responsibilities of this Bureau were expanded to include enforcement of the provisions of Local Law No. 8 (1993). This law addresses the issues of item pricing and scanner accuracy in large establishments.

In 1997, this Bureau joined forces with New York Stat’s Weights and Measures Department to test the octane levels of petroleum products within the County. The cost of this program is fully reimbursed by the State.