Established in 2021 by owner and operator, James W. Arndt, Arndt Municipal Support Incorporated is a mission-driven local government management consulting business that adds value through service.
About Us
Our Values
Our Mission
To provide practical executive-level support to local government leaders.
My dream from childhood was to serve others, and through 26 years of combined military and local government service, I have done just that. I am a firm believer in servant leadership, and I am excited to follow my calling to assist other local government leaders as they courageously serve their local communities.
James “Jim” Arndt, MA
President / CEO
Jim has served in local government for more than 23 years. Jim served as the City Manager for Paducah Kentucky for three years before opening his own local government consulting business in 2021. Before becoming Paducah’s City Manager, he served eight years as the City Administrator of Effingham, Illinois. He also has been the Administrator for the City of St. Clair, Missouri, and the Village of Union City, Ohio. Before entering the realm of city management, Arndt served six years as a police officer in Mattoon, IL.
Arndt is a military veteran, serving three years in the United States Army. During his military career, Arndt spent time in Germany, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Arndt has direct executive-level experience in economic development, municipal finance, budgeting, human resources, executive level recruitments, collective bargaining, compensation and compression studies, succession planning, reinventing organizations, strategic planning, priority setting, City Council Retreats, Leadership Team Retreat
Memberships and Affiliations:
- John C. Maxwell Leadership Team Member
- Maxwell DISC Certified Consultant and Trainer
- Maxwell Certified Leadership Trainer
- Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach
- International City and County Managers Association
Kim Arndt
Office Manager & Chief Financial Officer
Kim Arndt serves as the Office Manager and Chief Financial Officer at Arndt Municipal Support Inc., bringing over 15 years of hands-on experience in accounting and financial management. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to operational efficiency, Kim oversees the company’s financial health while ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly.
Her background in accounting, combined with a strong understanding of municipal processes, supports the company’s mission to provide reliable, transparent, and high-quality support services to municipalities. Kim’s approach is grounded in integrity, organization, and a drive for continuous improvement—making her a key part of the firm’s leadership and success.
Katie Howell
Senior Associate
Katie has worked in education for 8 years. She has taught kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd grade. She taught kindergarten in Virgina, Illinois for two years. Then she moved to Charleston, Illinois where she taught for six years. Half of her time was spent teaching first grade and the other half was spent teaching 3rd grade. While teaching Katie has served on curriculum and leadership committees.
Katie has experience in education with skills that include: planning, instruction, training, curriculum development, assessments and evaluations, facilitating, and graphic design.
Memberships and Affiliations:
- John C. Maxwell Leadership Team Member
- Maxwell DISC Certified Trainer
Scott Smith
Scott holds both a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration and a Master of Science in Physical Education with a focus on Athletic Administration from Eastern Illinois University (EIU). His early career included roles as Athletic Supervisor for the Hanover Park District and Executive Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism for the City of Charleston. In 2003, he became Charleston’s City Manager, serving until 2025, after which he was honored with the title City Manager Emeritus. He also taught as an adjunct faculty member at EIU from 1993 to 2000, covering subjects like finance and facility management.
Throughout his career, Scott was deeply involved in professional and civic organizations. He held leadership roles in the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, the Illinois Conservation Park and Recreation Foundation, and the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. He also served on multiple boards at EIU and contributed to local groups such as AMBUCS, the Exchange Club, and Salisbury Church. In 2013, he received the Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award for his community service.
A lifelong resident of Charleston, Scott married his best friend, Stephanie, in 2022. He is the proud father of three daughters—Molly, Carley, and Ashley—and has four bonus children: Kendall, Mackenzie, Sydney, and Austen. Together, Scott and Stephanie are proud grandparents of six, with a seventh grandchild expected in December.