WEST BATH — Paula Nelson was elected to the West Bath Board of Selectmen on Tuesday.

Nelson gathered 248 votes, enough to defeat her challenger, Abigail C. Yacoben, who received 210 votes.

Nelson will fill the opening that was created when Peter Oceretko decided not to seek re-election.

Yacoben grew up in Wiscasset and attended Waynflete School in Portland, before moving west to attend college and to work. She is the city of Bath’s finance director, a post she has held since 2006.

Nelson moved to West Bath 15 years ago and served as West Bath’s treasurer and tax collector before retiring to work as a landscaper. Nelson is a member of West Bath’s School Board.

Both women agree that West Bath faces fiscal challenges.