This week marked the 205th anniversary of the first weights and measures law in the United States, signed March 1, 1799.

Governor Napolitano proclaimed March 1 through March 7 Arizona Weights and Measures Week.

In Arizona more than 50 per cent of an average family’s income is spent on items sold by weight, measure, or count, which is regulated by the Arizona Department of Weights & Measures. Their services cost each taxpayer approximately 25 cents per year, according to the agency.

The agency’s mission is to ensure the equity in the marketplace. From Jan. 1, 2003, to Feb. 1, 2004, agency conducted more than 36,000 inspections, including:

• 2,440 UPC inspections to ensure that the item or display price was the same as the price scanned at the checkout; 44 per cent failed.

• 1,607 fuel-quality inspections at gas dispensers throughout Arizona; 10 per cent failed to meet state fuel quality requirements.

• 7,346 fuel-volume inspections at gasoline dispensers throughout Arizona; 10 per cent failed to meet state accuracy requirements.

The Web site for the department is www.weights.az.gov —