Kokomo’s fire union is taking the city to court in the latest development of what’s become a months-long battle over the two sides’ collective bargaining efforts. The Professional Firefighters of Kokomo Local 396, in a civil suit filed this week in Howard Superior Court 4, is requesting that Judge George Hopkins prohibit the city from terminating the existing fire contract at the end of this year and "until such time that the matter can be arbitrated." The step brings to the courts a contentious issue that has festered between city and union officials since negotiations on a new contract began in early June, and represents the most recent chapter in a relationship between City Hall and Local 396 leadership that has on multiple occasions led to public mudslinging.