The Peru Gazette

Last Wednesday Bilow chatted as he checked the diesel fuel pump at Liberty’s Garage in Peru. He explained, “I’m responsible for checking the accuracy of about 1,800 devices in the county. Most are checked annually and some on as needed basis.” Fuel pumps and food store scales are some the most common devices that must undergo an annual check. Bilow even checks landfill scales and truck scales. Some checks can be performed in just a few minutes while others can take an entire workday.

At Liberty’s Garage, Bilow pumped 50 gallons of diesel fuel into a calibrated vessel called a prover. Following the test he returned the fuel to its storage tank and gave the station owner a written report. Liberty’s passed the test with flying colors.

Sometimes national issues influence Bilow’s work. Overstating garbage bag and poly sheeting thickness is one area where violations have occurred. When time permits, Bilow stops by stores selling those products to perform the required tests.

Last year 90% of Clinton County’s commercial measuring devices tested within limits. Bilow said, “If there’s an error it’s usually in the customer’s favor. If the error is in the business’s favor the device must be taken out of service and rechecked before being put back into service. If the error is in the customer’s favor the business is not required to make a change. That’s the operator’s decision.”

Allan Bilow enjoys his job. He said, “I like knowing that customers are getting a fair shake and getting what they’re paying for. I also get satisfaction knowing that businesses are being fairly paid for the goods they sell. Successful businesses are important to our communities.”