EL PASO, Texas -- Wednesday the city announced it is stepping in to help an elected Socorro Independent School District board member take the office he was voted into. Monday morning the Civil Service Commission will have a meeting at City Hall to decide the fate of Joe Sarabia and his future with the Socorro Independent School District.

“Worst case I won’t take the spot, but things are looking good. There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The city announced it is stepping in to take a closer look at Civil Service rule 17, the same rule that is forcing Sarabia to choose between his career with the El Paso Fire Department and his board seat with SISD.

Wednesday a special meeting was set for Monday to clarify the rule. If the commission decides to change it, the rule must go before city council.

“The consequences are huge because you are potentially effecting the make-up of the SISD school board of trustees,” said Rep. Steve Ortega of District 7.

Rule 17 was never brought up during Sarabia’s campaign because he said he had discussed it and even helped re-write the rule beforehand.

“It was a lengthy process to change that rule. We were successful and it went thought city council. That is why I thought it was a done deal,” he said.

The union president for the El Paso Fire Department, Joe Tellez, thought the same.

“It is a bit confusing. We were under the impression that Mr. Sarabia was able to seek the office since it was unpaid,” he said.

Sarabia remains optimistic about the results of Monday’s meeting

“If I’m giving the opportunity to do both I’ll be a happy man. I’m hoping that’s what the outcome will be,” he said.

If the commission decides to change rule 17, it will be another two and a half weeks before city council can take any action.