texas

Higher Scale Fee Could Mean Pricier Groceries

Your grocery bill could take an unexpected jump on Jan. 1, as the Texas Department of Agriculture plans to raise fees to certify regulated scales at grocery stores across the state.

The move will nearly double the annual fee for each scale from the current $16 to $35.

"We're in a low-margin business, so anytime our costs go up, there is a possibility that it gets passed onto the customer," said Kroger spokesman Gary Huddleston.

With 200 stores in Texas, the higher fees will cost Kroger an extra $116,000 annually.

"There should be a reasonable fee, but we think the increase is a little exorbitant right now. Plus, there wasn't time to phase it in," said Huddleston.

Egg prices could be the first to rise, with higher state inspection fees on egg producers.

"The egg fee is going up substantially for the egg producer, and they're going to pass that fee along," said Huddleston.

Gas station owners will also be hit.

The Agriculture Department also inspects gas pumps, and the fee for each pump is rising from $21 to $35 for each pump.

Ranchers and farmers will also pay more for their inspections.

State lawmakers and store owners are pushing back, hoping the department scales back the plans before the higher fees take affect in the new year.

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