. "claim, settle a claim by or against the trust, and release, in whole or in part, a claim belonging to the trust;(15) pay taxes, assessments, compensation of the trustee and of employees and agents of the trust, and other expenses incurred in the administration of the trust;(16) exercise elections with respect to federal, state, and local taxes;(17) select a mode of payment under any employee benef" . . . . .