Cr Brown won support for the review at yesterday's 2011-12 pre-draft annual plan hearing, despite questions remaining over how much the exercise would cost.
The review would cover the council's community development, public libraries, aquatic services, botanic garden, Chinese garden, parks and reserves and recreation policy areas of operation.
Cr Brown said the aim was to find operational savings from within the departments.
"All departments have to have a review to look at whether we are delivering it in the most cost-effective way and whether best practice is being followed."
However, it was not yet known how much the exercise would cost, prompting acting chief executive Athol Stephens to warn a budget may be required.
The cost would depend on the scope of the exercise, which would be confirmed in discussion with Cr Brown, he indicated.
The latest review follows two others confirmed by councillors last month.
On January 20, councillors approved a review of the council's economic development unit, which included Tourism Dunedin, after it was suggested by Cr Brown.
And the following day councillors confirmed plans to review the development services department, which covered animal control, building control, environmental health and liquor licensing, also following a suggestion from Cr Brown.
Separately, the council is also most of the way through a review of its $804 million property portfolio, which was expected to identify pieces of land and buildings which could be sold.
