| For immediate release December 10, 2008 |
For additional information: Gary Woodward 462-6256 |
During the winter months homeowners purchase firewood from a variety of sources. Most sellers provide a proper quantity and quality of product but occasionally purchasers are short changed.
Wood must be sold by dry measure and in a proper measurable unit. A cord of wood is 128 cubic feet or 4'x4'x8' tightly stacked. Firewood can also be sold in fractions of a cord as well.
Purchasers are reminded to obtain a receipt which identifies the quantity of wood purchased and the price.
Recent complaints from homeowners resulted in the arrest and conviction of an individual on a misdemeanor charge of, “Misrepresentation of price of commodity or service”, Ohio Revised Code Sec. 1327.54.
Working in cooperation with Franklin County Sheriff's deputies, the Franklin County Auditor's weights and measures inspectors recently arranged for a half cord of firewood to be delivered. When the delivery was complete it measured less than half the quantity represented by the seller.
“If you believe that you are short changed on your firewood purchase, call our office immediately before burning any of the wood” stated Joe Testa, Franklin County Auditor, “We want to be sure that you are receiving what you are paying for.”
Contact the Franklin County Auditor's Office Weights and Measures section at 614-462-7380 or visit the Auditor's website at www.franklincountyauditor.com for additional information or to report a possible problem with a store scanner, scale or gasoline pump.