Cr Vandervis turned down deputy roles at a council meeting last month, but later reached an agreement with Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker, who decided he could jointly chair the finance and performance committee alongside deputy mayor Cherry Lucas and he would also lead a council-controlled organisations portfolio.
Councillors approved the tweak this week, but Cr Christine Garey was one councillor who found the situation "unacceptable".
"It should have been that the first decision we made about this, and the responsibilities that we accepted or declined, stood," she said.
The change resulted in Cr Vandervis’ proposed pay being brought back into line with colleagues who lost a momentary increase.
Cr Steve Walker said he agreed with Cr Garey and added he had planned to give his extra $1000 to the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital and now "the penguins miss out".
Cr Vandervis had left the lengthy meeting on Thursday by the time the matter was discussed.
Cr Russell Lund congratulated Ms Barker on what he said was a balanced and considered decision, resolving a difficult situation.
Ms Barker said she had not had time to talk to everybody about portfolios before a deadline last month, and she apologised for this.
"It is good that everybody has accepted positions of responsibility."
Cr Walker and Cr Benedict Ong voted against the change.
