NEW GLOUCESTER — The Budget Committee conditionally approved Thursday six municipal funding requests for the upcoming fiscal year.

The group advises selectmen who have the final say on the municipal budget when presented to voters on May 3.

Parks and Recreations’ request at $29,350 was slashed when it was learned that a $6,000 stipend approved by voters in May had never been advertised or filled. With only a few months remaining in the fiscal year, the group felt it was too late.

Budget member Melanie Craig said, “With a heavy heart, this budget needs to be reduced by $6,000. Strong communities have strong recreation programs, and it’s the end of February, and no one has been hired for the stipend yet.” The person would have developed programs and generated funds to pay for the stipend.

It remained unclear why the position was not filled.

The committee also restored additional funds to the Fire and Rescue Department to cover diesel equipment maintenance and stipends for a budget of $204,536.

The Highway Department budget at $602,800 is up $6,800. Public Works Director Ted Shane said money would be saved by changing a job description to be filled by a certified mechanic who also serves as an equipment operator.

Other approvals by the 11-member group include buildings and grounds at $57,110 and tree care at $3,000.

The committee will meet on Monday, Feb. 28, to complete reviews that include planning, insurance, capital reserves, capital improvements and revenues.