Tuesday, Ron Rouse of Santiago Twp. told the county board his development, Oak Creek Estates, is interested in connecting to a natural gas pipeline.

 

He said because of the propane shortage last winter, and the hefty price increase that followed, most of the residents in the development are considering switching to natural gas.

 

“Last winter during the coldest months of the year, my supplier said he could only give me 200 gallons, even though it’s the coldest month of the year and I was almost down to nothing,” he said. “It wasn’t just the cost, which was substantial. It was also the fact that they may not be there next time.”

 

Rouse said he and a neighbor visited each of the neighbors, except for three that were unavailable. They were mostly on board with the proposal.

 

Rouse said he spoke with an Xcel representative and got an estimate of $154,000 to install the pipeline.

 

“What we hope to do is somehow have all the homes assessed and pay an equal share for each property,” he said. “There are 10 vacant lots and 30 homes.”

Commissioner Rachel Leonard said the board couldn’t take any action during the public comment period.

 

“But we can listen to your concerns,” she said.

 

Commissioner Felix Schmiesing said there has already been a lot of discussion about the propane shortage and the potential for more price hikes in the future. He said it will be a topic at the Santiago Town Board meeting as well as the Association of Townships meeting.

 

“It’s a topic you’re going to hear more of,” he said.

 

No action was taken.