ELIZABETHTOWN -- As fuel prices soar, more people are complaining about allegedly inaccurate gas pumps.

Essex County Weights and Measures Department Director Wayne Taylor Sr. said Monday he's recently had nine complaints about something called "pump jump," in which the meter shows a charge before gas is dispensed.

Usually, he gets few or no complaints about inaccurate pumps, but with gas selling for more than $4 a gallon, drivers are taking notice of pumps they believe are inaccurate.

Taylor said he takes such complaints seriously and investigates each one.

PUMP PROBLEMS

"We have identified several items that need to be alleviated (at stations), (such as) the anti-drain device in the nozzle."

Some pumps also have a vacuum leak in the hose or nozzle, Taylor said.

Under those conditions, the charge meter will jump several cents when the pump is turned on but before any gas is pumped. That might amount to less than a tablespoon of gas, he said, but motorists don't want to be overcharged for even small amounts.

"Most of the errors are involved in the tolerance. 'Pump jump' makes the pump jump up a few cents. We're working with several vendors (of pumps) to get that corrected."

State law requires that gas pumps start at zero, Taylor said. He said that if the display registers a price before gas has been pumped, motorists should go inside the station or store and ask to have the sale canceled and the pump reset to zero.

INSPECTOR LAUDED

Supervisor Robert C. Dedrick (R-Ticonderoga) said he's also been receiving calls about inaccurate gas pumps and has passed the information along to Taylor.

"I've received a lot of phone calls. Any time Wayne has received a phone call, he's been right there (to investigate), anywhere in the county."

Supervisor Randy Douglas (D-Jay) said he hears only compliments about the work Taylor is doing as weights and measures inspector.

"Business owners, of course, aren't going to be happy when Wayne's there. It's a tough job."