A Butte County resident fuels her vehicle at an Oroville gas station. County weights and measures inspectors test fuel pumps and other commercial devices to ensure customers receive the correct amount for the price charged. Photo by Seti Long

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - Every time a Butte County resident pumps gas, buys produce or pays by weight at the checkout counter, there is a quiet local system working behind the scenes to make sure the numbers are right.

That system took center stage when the Butte County Board of Supervisors recognized March 1-7 as Weights and Measures Week. 

Supervisor Todd Kimmelshue read the proclamation during the board’s Feb. 24 regular meeting to remind the public why accuracy in commerce matters.

“An effective and uniform system of weights and measures is fundamental to fair commerce, consumer confidence, economic stability and public safety,” Kimmelshue said. 

The week coincides with the national observance marking the March 2, 1799 signing of the nation’s first weights and measures law by President John Adams. This year’s theme is “We Measure What Matters,” to recognize the essential role weights and measures professionals play in ensuring equity and confidence in today’s marketplace

Butte County Agriculture Commissioner and Director of Weights and Measures Katharine Quist told supervisors that many residents may not realize her office includes a dedicated weights and measures division.

“This small but highly impactful team works every day to ensure fairness, accuracy and transparency in the marketplace throughout Butte County,” Quist said.

In 2025, the team inspected more than 5,000 commercial devices across the county, including grocery store scales, gas pumps, truck scales, propane meters and electric vehicle charging stations. Inspectors also checked 98 gas stations to ensure posted prices matched pump prices, labeling, such as octane ratings, was correct, and fuel met quality standards. The division also responds to consumer complaints, verifies that packaged goods meet labeled quantities, and that customers are charged correctly at checkout.

“Simply put, they make sure that you get what you pay for,” Quist said.

Quist also thanked the board for supporting the recent replacement of the department’s heavy capacity inspection truck after new state air regulations sidelined the previous vehicle, allowing inspections to continue without interruption.

For most residents, the work may go unnoticed, but Quist said the inspection seal on a pump or scale represents a local safeguard helping ensure every transaction is fair.

“This year's seal is red, white and blue to honor our nation's 250th anniversary,” she said.