HOLMES, PA. - Most people often wonder what do the Branch Trustees do? Chief among their duties is to perform an audit of the books of the branch. That is part of a check and balance system that protects the branch from any financial impropriety. Along with the branch trustees checking to see if all finances check out, the branch pays independent accountants and accounting services to ensure that what we do complies with the U.S. Department of Labor guidelines.

Although department of labor guidelines require an audut at least twice a year, our branch does them quarterly. So, on this beautiful spring night after a ten hour day carrying mail, these brothers are in the branch office going through every receipt, check, and voucher to ensure that we are doing things right. Most often it is not that anyone would have bad intentions, but more eyes checking each other to make sure everything is in the right category etc. creates a system that everyone feels more comfortable with on a daily basis.

So, for one and a half hours, Bill Mellon, Bob Zigmont, and Jim Dolan Jr. dredge through the papers. All things checked out on this day. If something did not make sense, then a call would be made to explain the uncertainty. Usually, a receipt that is not as clearly marked for it's purpose would be an example(say a receipt from the staples might not have been marked, so upon a call it's known that it's for folders for the audit. The receipt would show folders).

Exciting stuff right!!!!!! But these guys are the bread and butter of the branch and one part of what makes this machine run smoothly.