Fire Districts and Fire Departments serve the same mission of protecting life, property and the environment, the largest difference is in the way they are governed. Both Fire Departments and Fire Districts are governed by elected officials. Fire Departments are governed by their respective City Councils and budgets are maintained through the cities budgetary process. Fire Districts are governed by a Fire Board of Directors that specific purpose is to oversee the policies of the fire protection services of that District. Most Fire Districts have a budget committee and civil service commission that take part in other Fire District business, these are appointed positions that may be applied for.