You ask, "Could unitholders have been "charged" for this?"
The Trust was set up back in 1982 by MESA PETROLEUM CO. in order "to distribute to its stockholders an overriding royalty interest in certain oil and gas properties", further there is no power to engage in business or make investments.
You can be rest assured that unitholders won't be "charged" for anything.
Suggested reading: "ROYALTY TRUST INDENTURE" see Exhibit C, Doc. 30932627, Case No. 2006-01984.
BCNU
Instructmba