Plans to convert a former beauty school into local government offices took another step forward Wednesday when commissioners agreed to seek bids for the building's renovation.

The former Schoeneman building is at 324 N. Centre St., Pottsville, catty-corner to the courthouse.Contractors interested in the work are asked to submit sealed bids by 3 p.m. April 13, to the county Controller's office, which is in the courthouse at 401 N. Second St.The bids must be in triplicate, sealed, and clearly marked "renovation of Schuylkill County office building."A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. March 16, at the site.The bids will be publicly opened at the commissioners' work session on Wednesday, April 15, with a tentative award date of April 22.In October, commissioners awarded the job of removing asbestos tile from the building to Sargent Enterprises of Jim Thorpe for $43,626.Commissioners acquired the building and two nearby parking lots from brothers Dale and Franklin Schoeneman, who operated the Empire Beauty School, for $740,000 in May 2013.The county has received government grant money to help offset the cost.The building will eventually house the Children and Youth Services agency and other agencies.