Story and photo by Steve Nash - Special Contributor to BrownwoodNews.com Brownwood City Council members gave reluctant, preliminary approval Tuesday to joining a negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division for a $260. 5 million rate increase.

The impact of the settlement on average residential rates is an increase of $13. 37 on a monthly basis, or 14. 15%, council members were told.

The increase for average commercial usage will be $44. 82 or 9. 90%.