The East Derry Fire Precinct is a town meeting form of government in which voters of East Derry participate and enjoy local and legislative control. An Annual Precinct Meeting is held for the purpose of voting on the operating budget and warrant articles. The Annual Precinct Meeting is typically scheduled for the day after Election Day in March. Historically and presently, the tax rate of the Precinct is lower than the town's fire protection rate. Commissioners Meetings are currently scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month.
Public participation is welcomed and encouraged.
The Citizens of the East Derry Fire Precinct and the East Derry Fire Precinct prevailed in the Superior Court battle to protect its tax base. In addition, construction of Station Two has commenced and firefighters have been hired to staff the station. The Town Council promised to revisit their decision for boundary change if East Derry agreed to construct and staff Station Two. The Town Council broke their promise. Only a Superior Court decision by Judge Coffey prevented the boundary change from taking effect on April 1, 2001.