FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2025
County Weights and Measures Inspectors Provide Equity in the Marketplace
Most people don’t realize that the first week in March each year is National Weights and Measures Week. This time was selected each year to commemorate the first national weights and measures law being signed by President John Adams on Mach 2, 1799. An accurate and uniform system of weights and measures was important to our new country, so much so that it was established as a part of Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution.
Local weights and measures inspectors work each week of the year to ensure equity in the marketplace and to protect consumers in Inyo and Mono Counties. Our two county inspectors check the accuracy of over 1,500 devices in the two counties each year, from 80,000 pound truck scales to the scales at local markets and even very small prescription scales. They also check gas pumps, propane meters, electric fueling stations, and items sold by measurements like dimensional lumber and rope by the foot. In addition to routine inspections, we respond to dozens of complaints each year with investigations. Other, more infrequent tasks include checking price scanner accuracy, prepackaged items such as meat in the store, responding to complaints of short firewood orders, checking the quality of fuels and oils, responding to door-to door meat sales complaints, and even checking local gas stations for credit card skimming devices during our inspections.
Local weights and measures inspectors ensure that the consumers get what they pay for, and that our local businesses are playing on a level field. Join us in recognizing National Weights and Measures Week this first week of March. As always, if you feel you have been overcharged or just want to find out more about what county weights and measures staff do, feel free to contact our office online or at 760.873.7860.
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