Memorandum
Date: July 23, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Katherine VanDerWall, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures
Subject: Consideration of Ordinance 1658 ARTICLE V. - Commercial Weighing and Measuring Device Registration Program to Reflect the Recent Legislative Changes that Amend Section 12240 of the California Business and Professions Code.
Executive Summary:
On October 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newson signed Assembly Bill 1304 into law. This bill adjusts device registration fees for commercial weighing and measuring devices and became effective on January 1, 2024. The new statewide fee structure is the first comprehensive adjustment since 2012 and reflects the true cost of the regulatory program. This authority is found in the California Business and Professions Code, Section 12240.
Weights and measures device registration fees partially cover the costs of a very important behind-the-scenes, consumer protection program. With very few exceptions, all weighing and measuring devices (meters and scales) used in commercial transactions are tested on an annual basis by department inspectors. Lake County has over 4,000 weighing and measuring devices that require annual testing. These meters and scales are tested for accuracy to ensure that Lake County consumers are getting what they pay for and that Lake County businesses are operating in a fair and equitable business environment. Department inspectors also frequently investigate consumer complaints.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☒ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Approve Amending Ordinance 1658 ARTICLE V. -
Commercial Weighing and Measuring Device Registration Program to Reflect the Recent
Legislative Changes that Amend Section 12240 of the California Business and Professions
Code.