The years between 1881 and 1897 brought the start of many modern conveniences with them. LeRoy’s first city sewer was laid in 1881. Improvements and extensions to the sewer system were made in 1903. A special bond issue was passed in 1930 and more sewers were laid which served the community until the 1970’s. However, in keeping with progress another bond issue was passed for a modern sewage treatment plant that operates today.

            Prior to 1874 the only fire fighting equipment was a hose cart, hand pumper and bucket brigade. There were several large cisterns in the business district, which could be used for water supply in case of fire. The city felt the need for better fire protection by 1875. A Champion complete with the latest hook ladders, hose and pumper was purchased. An ordinance was passed in 1892 requiring all roofs on buildings within the original fire limits to be constructed of some kind of fireproof material and buildings in certain blocks in the business area to be made of brick or stone. A new fire truck was delivered in 1938. It was one of the best and latest equipped in the state. LeRoy now has one of the finest fire departments in the state and is equipped with the latest equipment. Due to the fine fire department, LeRoy enjoys a lower fire insurance rate than many communities.

            The first tractor purchased by LeRoy for street maintenance was a McCormick-Deering tractor. Ordinances were passed in 1891 and 1894 for all sidewalks to be constructed of brick or stone in the original town and business district. The first concrete sidewalks were laid on the south and north sides of Center Street from City Park to East Street in 1904. Streets were oiled instead of watered starting in 1904 to help reduce the dust from the dirt streets.  Street paving started in 1915. The streets and roads today are modern and well maintained.  There are some sections of streets where the original paving stones can be seen.

            The start of the city’s first water system was in 1888. A well was drilled on the southeast corner of LeRoy’s square and a windmill was erected to pump water in a holding tank. Residents would haul water from the tank at the town well until an ordinance was passed in 1891to prohibit this. A waterworks system was started in 1892. A special bond was passed to erect a waterworks for LeRoy. The original plan called for a brick tower, which was later changed to a steel tower and the water works was completed in 1893. In the late teens three new wells were drilled in the northwest part of the city. This facility served LeRoy well for 50 years. In keeping with the progress of the city, LeRoy has built a new 250,000-gallon water tank near the old tower in the 1970’s along with a water treatment plant. LeRoy is known to have one of the best water supplies in the state.

            Kerosene lamps placed at various locations in the city provided the city with light. The majority of residents of LeRoy by 1891 requested the city be lit with electric lights. The first lighting of the city with electricity was in 1893 with the power provided by the LeRoy Electric Light, Power and Heating plant. The Wartena Bros. of Indiana purchased the plant and continued to provide service until 1926. Illinois Power took over serving the area in 1926 and continues to provide the service today.

            Telephones arrived in 1897 when a permit was granted to Central Union Telephone Company to erect poles and stretch wires on streets and alleys in the city of LeRoy. Various companies have provided service and LeRoy today has the finest communication network available.

            Legal and financial obstacles were cleared in October 1951 for the Union Gas and Electric Company of Bloomington to construct its 35-mile natural gas main to serve LeRoy, Farmer City, Bloomington and Normal. Northern Illinois Gas Company now serves LeRoy natural gas customers.

            LeRoy has shown a steady growth from her inception except for a slump from 1910 to 1930. The earliest available census figure is from 1850 when a population of 210 was recorded. When LeRoy in 1874 changed from a town government and adopted a city charter a special census was taken showing a population of 1,018 – a gain of 808 citizens in 24 years. One hundred years later a special census was taken showing the city had grown to 2,631 – a gain of 1,613 citizens in one hundred years.  The census of 2000 records a population of 3,332 - a gain of 701 citizens in 26 years.