EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso Civil Service Commission voted 4 to 1 Monday to delete a part of a city rule that would have kept newly-elected Socorro School District board member Joe Sarabia from taking office.

KFOX was the first station to report last week how Rule 17 prohibited city employees in management from holding public office. But the Civil Service commission voted to delete that part of the rule.

"The purpose of tonight was not about Mr. Sarabia, about any one individual, it was about a rule, and it's not going to change or alter any election," Sarabia's attorney, Luis Aguilar, said.

The meeting at City Hall lasted only about a half hour, with strong emotions on both sides of the debate.

"I think that the issue here is more can there be a conflict of interest? It can very well happen that there be a deadlock in school board meetings," El Paso resident Alice Rosas said.

"We want what's best. We want educated people out there who can help this city grow," El Paso resident Jan Deragisch said.

The meeting seemed confusing and even jumbled at times, with some commissioners not even sure of where the Socorro School District is located.

Afterward, Sarabia let his attorney do the talking, but he looked relieved.

Tuesday, City Council is expected to ratify the changes, and that's also when Sarabia is expected to get sworn into office.